"Pete Rose Night" was a previously planned promotion by the Reds, but it's unclear how much of the festivities were going to be held prior to Tuesday's announcement. The Reds wore No. 14 warm-up shirts before Wednesday's game, and they also played a three-minute tribute video honoring Rose.

Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin and Eric Davis — who played for Rose when he managed the Reds — shared stories about their former manager during a pregame panel.

Since the game’s early days, baseball mythology has been constructed — often deliberately — to set itself apart.

"Your reaction that he might finally get his due in Cooperstown." "You want me to go there?" Brennaman asked.Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.