Major League Baseball has reinstated Pete Rose, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, and a number of other former players who were previously banned from the game for life, potentially clearing the way for their induction into the Hall of Fame.

The lifting of the ban, which was first reported by ESPN, is a major moment for the sport and its evolving relationship with gambling, which now has become more mainstream in an era of legalized sports wagering and fantasy sports.

"Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred wrote in a letter obtained by the outlet to attorney Jeffrey M. Lenkov, who petitioned for Rose's ban to be lifted after his death in September. "Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve."

Rose, one of the most accomplished hitters in the sport's history, was banned from the game in the late 1980s after an MLB investigation found he bet on games while managing the Reds.

President Trump had advocated for Rose's reinstatement, and earlier this year said he would “be signing a complete PARDON of Pete Rose, who shouldn’t have been gambling on baseball, but only bet on HIS TEAM WINNING.”  

Manfred said late last year he had spoken with Trump about Rose's status.

Rose had 4,256 hits and also holds records for games (3,562) and plate appearances (15,890). He was the 1973 National League MVP and played on three World Series winners.

The Associated Press contributed.