MLB buckles under Trump pressure, Yankees owner stirs political uproar

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The New York Yankees are battling for AL East supremacy on the field. Off the field, the organization faces two explosive controversies that have nothing to do with baseball.

Both stories have dominated headlines. Both involve politics and the Yankees brand. Both showcase how modern sports franchises navigate turbulent waters beyond the diamond.

Rose cleared by MLB — Trump influenced decision

Major League Baseball shocked the sports community this spring with a stunning announcement. The league posthumously reinstated Pete Rose, erasing his name from the permanently ineligible list.

The decision came eight months after Rose died. Commissioner Rob Manfred revealed the move as part of new rules ending permanent bans at death.

Rose received his lifetime ban in 1989 for gambling on games while managing Cincinnati. He spent more than 30 years barred from Hall of Fame consideration. The new policy makes Rose eligible for Cooperstown in 2028.

Manfred acknowledged former President Donald Trump helped influence the reinstatement decision.

“The President was one of a number of voices that was supportive of the idea that this was the right decision,” Manfred said. “Obviously, I have respect for the office and the advice that he gave.”

Trump had posted his support on Truth Social earlier. “Over the next few weeks I will be signing a complete pardon of Pete Rose, who shouldn’t have been gambling on baseball, but only bet on his team winning. He never betted against himself, or the other team.”

The policy change also cleared 16 other banned figures. The list includes the 1919 Chicago Black Sox and former Giants outfielder Benny Kauff.

Rose holds multiple MLB records. He collected 4,256 hits, played 3,562 games and made 15,890 plate appearances. His 17 All-Star selections cement his statistical greatness.

The Yankees organization, steeped in Hall of Fame tradition, now watches as baseball revisits questions of redemption and punishment.

Yankees minority owner triggers outrage

Yankees minority owner Patrick Bet-David created a separate firestorm with inflammatory social media comments about Ukraine.

His controversial tweet questioned Ukraine’s right to defend itself against Russian aggression.

“Who gave (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelensky the authority to attack Russia?” Bet-David posted on X.

The post followed Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian airfields. Reports indicated the attacks destroyed more than 40 Russian bombers. Bet-David’s timing proved particularly poor, coming one day before Trump’s private call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The tweet sparked immediate backlash across social media platforms.

A Ukrainian woman identifying herself as “Kate from Kharkiv” fired back directly.

“It was me. I gave him the authority. And millions of other Ukrainians when we elected him,” she responded.

It was me. I gave him the authority. And millions of other Ukrainians when we elected him.
Question tho, who gave you an authority to speak nonsense?

— Kate from Kharkiv (@BohuslavskaKate) June 4, 2025

Bet-David’s reply drew even more criticism for its tone and content.

“You’re so cute. You gave him permission? Isn’t that awesome? I’m sure his puppet masters are very happy with you. Have a wonderful day sweetheart!” he wrote.

You’re so cute.

You gave him permission? Isn’t that awesome?

I’m sure his puppet masters are very happy with you.

Have a wonderful day sweetheart!

— Patrick Bet-David (@patrickbetdavid) June 4, 2025

Critics blasted the response as sexist and diplomatically reckless. Many questioned whether someone connected to America’s most prestigious baseball franchise should make such statements.

The Steinbrenner family maintains majority control of the Yankees. They have not publicly addressed Bet-David’s comments. His social media activity has raised questions about minority owner influence and brand protection.

Bet-David bought his Yankees stake in 2023. He has described the investment as a “stepping stone” toward full ownership. Fans now call for him to reduce his public profile.

Yankees navigate political minefield

The franchise finds itself managing two complex national debates simultaneously. Pete Rose’s historical legacy presents one challenge. A minority owner’s geopolitical commentary creates another.

The Yankees built their reputation on excellence, tradition, and global appeal. Recent events demonstrate how quickly attention shifts from game results to political controversies.

Both situations test the organization’s ability to maintain focus during a competitive season. The team must balance on-field performance with off-field reputation management.

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