MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has reinstated 17 players from the permanently ineligible list, including notable figures like Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson, following a reevaluation of Rule 21. Manfred stated that the rule's purpose is served once individuals have passed away, as they pose no further threat to the game's integrity. Among those reinstated are Phil Douglas, who had a successful career before being banned, and Lee Magee, who was also banned after admitting he would not genuinely compete to win, reflecting on the historical context of gambling-related bans in baseball.
In my view, once an individual has passed away, the purposes of Rule 21 have been served. Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game.
The group of players notably includes Pete Rose and 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson, who were both originally banned from baseball due to their involvement in gambling scandals.
Phil Douglas played in parts of nine MLB seasons and found his greatest success with the New York Giants. He posted a National League-best 2.63 ERA in 1922.
Lee Magee was banned by Landis following the 1920 season after having a poor performance and confirmed he would rather throw games than help the team.
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