ESPN made me do it.
Their short chronicling where the greatest pure hitter in Major League Baseball, Pete Rose has ended up in his life.
The video was sad, and reality was even more sad. I really feel for the man who has to try and make a buck selling himself. I did partake, and bought a baseball, signed by the legend himself for just over a hundred dollars (with the case included)
The store itself is just a plethora of musical, and some sports memorabilia, but the minute I stepped towards the store, the staff were all focused on getting me to buy some Pete Rose gear to be signed and "meet the man".
Sadly, you are only given a few minutes with the guy, and while he does speak with you, it feels somewhat distant and awkward. Certainly not as engaging as some of the other stars I have spent much less money to see and meet.
I guess the old adage does ring true.. don't meet your heroes for fear of disappointment in what they have become.