Pete Rose, a baseball icon, made millions during his playing days, but his financial journey took dramatic turns.
His gambling scandal, tax issues, and post-career income sources shaped his net worth over the years. How did his financial status change, and what is Pete Rose net worth in 2025? Let’s break it down.
Pete Rose Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Peter Edward Rose Sr. |
| Popular Name | Pete Rose |
| Birth Date | April 14, 1941 |
| Age | 83 (Died: September 30, 2024) |
| Birthplace | Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Western Hills High School |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Karolyn Englehardt (m. 1964–1980), Carol J. Woliung (m. 1984–2011) |
| Children | Pete Rose, Jr., Chea Courtney |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | 3 |
| Parents | Harry Francis “Pete” Rose, LaVerne (née Bloebaum) Rose |
| Height | N/A |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Source of Wealth | Baseball salary, memorabilia sales, autograph signings |
What is the Net Worth Of Pete Rose in 2025?
Pete Rose’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $3 million. Despite earning $7.1 million during his career, his gambling issues, tax evasion case, and legal troubles impacted his finances. Compared to other baseball legends, Rose’s financial standing is modest.
His peers, like Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, have maintained much higher net worths post-retirement.
Here are some notable individuals related to Pete Rose:
- Derek Jeter
- Alex Rodriguez
- Johnny Bench
- Joe Morgan
- Barry Bonds
- Charlie Hustle (nickname reference)
- Carol J. Woliung
- Rob Manfred
- Bud Selig
- Tony Perez
Looking for more insights into celebrity wealth? Check out the top-earning sports figures and their financial journeys.
Pete Rose Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
His Financial Status Over the Years
Pete Rose’s financial status changed drastically throughout his life. During his MLB career, he was one of the highest-paid athletes.
However, his financial downfall began with his gambling scandal in the late 1980s, leading to a permanent baseball ban in 1989.
After his playing days, Rose turned to autograph signings and memorabilia sales to sustain his income. While these revenue streams helped, they were nowhere near the lucrative contracts he once had. His divorce and legal troubles further impacted his wealth, keeping his net worth lower than expected for a sports icon of his caliber.
His Salary History and Career Earnings
At his peak, Pete Rose earned millions through baseball contracts. In 1979, he signed a $3.2 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, making him one of the highest-paid players at the time. Over his career, his total earnings reached $7.1 million.
However, financial mismanagement and legal troubles significantly reduced his fortune. Unlike modern MLB stars who have multi-million-dollar endorsement deals, Rose relied primarily on baseball salaries and later, memorabilia sales.
The Role of Gambling in His Financial Struggles
Rose’s gambling problem was the turning point in his financial decline. Betting on baseball games, including his own team, led to a lifetime ban from MLB in 1989. This not only cost him his managerial career but also affected his earning potential.
Without coaching opportunities, Rose had to seek alternative income sources. His gambling issues also contributed to tax problems, which further damaged his financial stability.
How He Made Money After Baseball
After leaving baseball, Rose capitalized on his fame by signing autographs and selling memorabilia. Reports suggest he earned $50,000 to $100,000 per month from autograph sessions, though the exact number remains debated.
Aside from memorabilia sales, he made money through public appearances and book deals. One of his significant financial moves was selling his Sherman Oaks, California home in 2014 for nearly $2 million. However, these income sources were inconsistent, and he never regained the financial stability he had during his playing days.
Tax Issues and Legal Financial Troubles
Rose’s financial troubles worsened when he failed to report gambling winnings and memorabilia earnings. In the early 1990s, he was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to five months in federal prison.
His legal battles didn’t end there. Court documents from his 2018 divorce from Carol J. Woliung revealed his earnings, shedding light on his post-baseball income struggles. Although he continued signing memorabilia, it wasn’t enough to fully recover financially.
Financial Challenges in His Later Years
As Rose aged, his income sources began to decline. His autograph signing business remained steady, but the demand was not as strong as before. His divorce settlements also took a financial toll, forcing him to sell off assets, including real estate.
Despite his financial struggles, Rose never declared bankruptcy. He continued to make public appearances and participate in events, leveraging his baseball legacy to maintain some level of income.
His Legacy Beyond Finances
While Rose’s financial troubles are a key part of his story, his baseball legacy remains untouchable. He still holds the MLB all-time hits record with 4,256 hits, a feat that remains unmatched.
Despite his Hall of Fame exclusion due to gambling, Rose remains a respected figure in baseball history. His contributions to the sport are undeniable, and his financial struggles serve as a cautionary tale for athletes on money management and decision-making.
Conclusion
Pete Rose’s financial journey is a mix of success and struggles. Despite earning millions, gambling, tax issues, and legal troubles significantly reduced his wealth. His story serves as a reminder of how financial decisions can shape a person’s legacy.
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