Jason Whitlock draws unusual comparison between Pete Rose and WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark after his death

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Following the death of legendary baseball player Pete Rose, Jason Whitlock drew a peculiar comparison between Rose and WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark.

Rose, who died at 83, left behind a complex legacy that sparks conversations about how he will be remembered.

Jason Whitlock draws parallels between Caitlin Clark and Pete Rose's dedication to their sports

Jason Whitlock highlighted Pete Rose's intense dedication to baseball on his YouTube channel, comparing it to Caitlin Clark's passion for basketball.

"When I think about Pete Rose, I understand why there's such a passion for Caitlin Clark," he remarked. "Because when Caitlin Clark plays basketball, it reminds you of Pete Rose playing baseball."

Whitlock emphasized Clark's commitment, stating, "When you watch Caitlin Clark, it's like 'Holy cow!' She puts everything and will risk everything to play basketball and reach her goals."

Clark's rookie season has significantly boosted WNBA viewership and attendance, largely due to her rivalry with fellow rookie Angel Reese. She not only earned the Rookie of the Year award but also ranked highly in MVP voting.

Pete Rose's achievements shadowed by gambling addiction

Pete Rose, famously known as "Charlie Hustle," spent most of his career with the Cincinnati Reds during their dominant era in the 1970s, where he accumulated a record 4,256 hits.

Despite his achievements, Rose struggled with a gambling addiction that ultimately resulted in his ban from baseball after an investigation into his betting activities.

As noted by Rick Reilly of The Washington Post, Rose was driven not by money but rather by a desire for "the juice."

While there’s no indication that Clark jeopardizes her career off the court in similar ways, Whitlock praised her fervor, stating, "Holy cow does she have a passion for the game. She's willing to risk everything—her reputation, getting poked in the eye, getting beat up by everybody on the court—and we love that and we respect that about her."

He went on to elaborate on the excitement surrounding Clark, suggesting it reflects a nostalgia for the fierce spirit of sports. he said, "That's why there's so much energy and people trying to protect Caitlin Clark at all costs, why her fan base is out of control and rabid. Because she reminds us of what sports used to be like."

Whitlock also drew parallels to NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, highlighting how they played with an attitude that money didn't matter.

"This is what Pete Rose represented," he concluded. "And it's a torch that has now been handed to a 22-year-old girl from Iowa."