Former local broadcaster reflects on Pete Rose interviews

The passing of Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose one week ago evoked a national outpouring of tributes and respect for one of baseball’s most historically significant players.

Rose is Major League Baseball’s all-time career leader in hits, played on three World Series championship teams, won two gold gloves, played in 17 all-star games, and was selected as a member of Major League Baseball’s All-Century team.

Former WSVL broadcaster Mark Risley interviewed Rose on two occasions in the 1970s and shared thoughts on his interactions with one of baseball’s most accomplished and controversial figures.

“I began working at the radio station in 1971 when I was 15,” said Risley. “WSVL was a Reds affiliate and carried about 80 percent of their games each season. The Reds would provide press credentials to their affiliates. WSVL obtained a press pass for me on many occasions and as a result, I had the opportunity to interview many baseball stars of the era, including at least a dozen who are now in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

“I hosted a daily sports show at 12:30 and a weekly sports program following the news at five on Mondays. I remember airing many of the baseball interviews on those shows.”

Risley recorded conversations with numerous professional players through the years including Rose whom he interviewed on Aug. 3, 1973, and again on April 30, 1977.

“I was struck by how accessible Pete and really all the players were,” said Risley (photo of his media credential shown). “He treated me with the same respect he extended to high-profile broadcasters. That was very satisfying and a thrill to a person still in high school learning about radio.”

The 1973 interview took place in the Cincinnati dugout prior to a game against the Houston Astros following the Reds’ 17-2 rout of the Braves in Atlanta the previous night. Risley found Rose to be characteristically true to form. The Reds star provided an in-depth analysis of the current baseball scene and the Reds’ race for the Western Division title, which they would eventually win.

He discussed pitcher Gary Nolan’s arm problems at the time. Nolan was a rookie sensation who struck out Willie Mays four times in a game in 1967. Nolan pitched only two games in 1973 and physical issues forced him to miss the entire 1974 season. Nolan, however responded with a dramatic comeback in subsequent years. He won a total of 30 games in the 1975 and 1976 seasons and was a primary contributor to the Reds’ World Series championship teams during those years. He is a member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame.

Risley was always a Reds fan, however, Wilie Mays and the San Francisco Giants were his favorite team as a youth.  He adopted the Reds as his primary team with the passing of the Mays era.  In the 1973 interview, Rose talked about what a talented player Bobby Bonds (father of Barry) was with the Giants.

“He is one of the most complete ball players,” stated Rose.

Photo of Pete Rose crashing into catcher Ray Fosse to score the winning run in the 1970 MLB All-Star Game.

“I was impressed by Rose’s focus and his overall knowledge of baseball, the other teams and players,” continued Risley. “I can now see why he was a good manager. He was very detail-oriented. He talked about the Reds’ four, five and six hitters (Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and Dan Driessen) being the keys to their success because they ‘brought in the runs.’”

Bench and Perez combined to drive in 205 runs in 1973. Driessen added 47 RBI in his role as a platoon player in the lineup, predominantly batting against right-handed pitching.

Rose’s intensity and confidence were also evident during the 1973 interview. He stated that “when he was swinging the bat good” no pitcher intimidated him. Risley lauded Rose for his recent 200-hit seasons. Rose responded that he was intent on one day breaking the Reds single-season hit record of 219. He would record 230 hits in 1973 and remains at the top of the Reds list in that category.

It is undoubtedly true that Pete Rose will forever remain a controversial figure. The same passion and diligence that drove him to baseball success also pushed him to indulge the negative aspects of his personality that repeatedly and irrevocably cost him dearly.

Yet, to so many of us who lived our formative sports years in the Ohio Valley area, Pete Rose was an icon. He served as the heart of “The Big Red Machine.”

He was the classic overachiever; an individual with modest natural athletic talent who reached the pinnacle and represented what was possible.

“Pete was a great example of the value of dedication,” commented Risley. “He brought joy to fans during that very special period of Cincinnati Reds dominance.”

Pete Rose (seated) poses for photo with fellow former Cincinnati Reds (standing from left): Dave Concepcion, George Foster, Tony Perez and Ken Griffey Sr.

Risley concluded by saying how much he appreciated the opportunity that WSVL general manager John Hartnett Sr. gave him in radio.

“In 1979, I was able to go on a one-week, five-city trip to interview players at different ballparks,” said Risley. “It was a thrill to go to Cincinnati on a regular basis and interview players. The first time was April 30, 1971, when I was 15. I will always remember interviewing Juan Marichal and Willie McCovey that evening. It was a blessing to be afforded the opportunity to interview so many tremendous players on The Big Red Machine, one of the greatest teams ever in the history of baseball. Rose and the other players were incredibly courteous and gracious with their time.”

Risley feels that Rose always seemed to enjoy connecting with people on a personal basis, regardless of whether it was with a national media celebrity or a representative from a small-town affiliate. By 1973, Rose had already been a member of two National League pennant winning teams, played in seven All-Star Games and won two National League batting titles. He could have been aloof, condescending or simply not been willing to make time for a young reporter, however, the converse was true.

“He concluded our interview by thanking me in return and wishing me well. He made it personal and respectful as he was fully engaged in the interviews,” said Risley.

Pete Rose was obviously a flawed individual who was at times duplicitous and dishonest. Yet it was evident to the most casual observer that he enjoyed human interaction, appreciated the opportunities associated with his success and was eager to share the good fortune that stardom had brought him. This was an attitude consistently on display. He was not always honest, but he was genuine. He was authentic.

His sense of authenticity defined Pete Rose and above all else, endeared him to the baseball public. That demeanor comes through during the 1973 interview. Risley’s audio is a treasured article of memorabilia and reminiscent of a period of unparalleled Cincinnati Reds dominance and the remarkable success of its favorite son.

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