A Rose Blooms in Bridgeport

Pete Rose managed his first game in 25 years Monday night. It was long was from his native Cincinnati, even longer from Las Vegas, where he now lives. Baseball's Hit King, barred from major and affiliated minor league clubs, took part in a one-day-only promotion, where he was manager for the day of the Bridgeport Bluefish of the independent Atlantic League. It was a game book-ended by press conferences.
You have to like the little touches -- such as the rose-colored 14 on the field behind home plate. Below, Pete signs some pre-game autographs.
So fans could see more of him, Pete also coached 1st base. And take note of the rose-colored bases.
The game was a success, as well. A near-packed house saw the Bluefish blank Lancaster 2 - 0.
Notice how during the Bridgeport players' victory line, the club was scrambling to re-assemble a tent for the post-game media session.
 Below, some Bridgeport fans tried a stronger sales pitch.
Then, finally, one more go-around with reporters. Never at a loss for words, Pete touched on a number of topics -- from the just-deceased Tony Gwynn ("an ambassador for the game"), Don Zimmer -- a fellow Cincinnati native, whose father introduced young Pete to gambling on horse races, commissioner Bud Selig, whom Pete said gave his "blessing" to this token appearance and instant reply, which he likes so far.

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