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EXCERPT | Aug. 7,1978
Single-Minded
Charlie Hustle wasunflappable in his run at DiMaggio's 56
When Pete Rose puttogether a 44-game hitting streak—the third-longest in history—he was neverbothered by the pressure, Larry Keith reported.
Of all theaccomplishments of Rose's lustrous 16-year career, none brought quite theacclaim that was generated by the streak. He has been Rookie of the Year andMVP, he has played in 11 All-Star Games and four World Series, he has led theleague in hitting three times, and on May 5 he got his 3,000th hit. But thoseachievements were just a prelude to the streak, which, says teammate TomSeaver, "is a reaffirmation" of who Pete Rose really is.
Last week Rosetaped segments for Good Morning America with David Hartman, Today with DickSchaap and Donahue with Phil Donahue. He received telegrams from a stripper anda governor, notes of congratulation from former teammates, a card of thanksfrom the vendors at Shea Stadium, a phone call from a Jimmy Carter impersonatorand loud cheers every time he showed his head outside the dugout. Unlike manyathletes who complain about the pressures of fame in their moments of triumph,Rose maintained his composure, his wit and his batting stroke through it all."If this were some other player, it might cause problems," said managerSparky Anderson, "but not with Pete. He represents us."
It was true, asone New York City cop shouted to him, "Your life's not your own, Pete,"but Rose did not seem to mind. "I like pressure situations," he says."They're fun. When people are urging me on, I can do things that areimpossible sometimes."
Rose's streak wasstopped by the Braves in Atlanta on Aug. 1, when he went 0 for 4, including astrikeout that ended the game.
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TRADING SPACES
SI.com's Ted Keithweighed in on the winners and losers at the MLB trade deadline:
Winners: BostonRed Sox
They added Victor Martinez (left), a switch-hitting All-Star in the prime ofhis career who can play multiple positions and has a very affordable cluboption for next season.
Losers: TexasRangers
They're loaded with young talent like Neftali Feliz, Derek Holland and MartinPerez, but it's hard to understand how they could sit just 2½ games out of thewild card and four games out in the AL West and not make a deal.
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PHOTO
Photograph by JOHN IACONO
RED HOT Rose had two singles against the Phillies on July 30 to extend his streak to 43 games. The next day he tied Wee Willie Keeler's single-season National League record.
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HEINZ KLUETMEIER (GARRETT)
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HENRY WOLFE (BEER)
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MANNY MILLAN (LEWIS)
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CHUCK SOLOMON (MARTINEZ)
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STEVE NESIUS/AP (GROSS)
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HEINZ KLUETMEIER (PHELPS)
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BOB ROSATO (BRADY)
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DAMIAN STROHMEYER (ORTIZ)
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PETER READ MILLER (HASSELBECK)
TWO PHOTOS
