Reds retire Rose's No. 14, capping big weekend for hits king (Yahoo Sports)

The Reds formally retired Pete Rose's No. 14 on Sunday, capping a big weekend for baseball's hits king that was a success for the franchise in every way except on the field. Big crowds filled Great American Ball Park for the three days of celebration, which had to be approved by Major League Baseball because of Rose's lifetime ban for betting on his team. ''It solidifies what I've been saying for many, many, many years and will continue to say it: Cincinnati is the baseball capital of the world,'' Rose told the crowd, speaking from a stage by second base.