On March 20, 1989 – Commissioner Peter Ueberroth announces that he has begun an investigation into the behavior of Cincinnati Reds manager Pete Rose.

Commissioner Peter Ueberroth and commissioner-elect A Bartlett Giamatti reads: “The Office of the Commissioner which was founded to preserve the integrity of the game has for several months been conducting a full inquiry into serious allegations involving Mr Pete Rose Mr Rose has cooperated with the Commissioner’s inquiry “When the Commissioner’s Office has completed its inquiry the Commissioner will consider the information presented and take whatever action is warranted.”

John M. Dowd, a trial lawyer with the Washington firm of Heron, Burchette, Ruckert & Rothwell, is leading the investigation as special counsel to the commissioner. Dowd, 47, headed a Justice Department organized crime task force from 1972 to 1978 and led investigations of the FBI and of former Pennsylvania Rep. Dan Flood. Dowd said Monday he has been investigating Rose for about a month. He said he didn’t know how much longer the inquiry will last. “It’s dictated by the facts and circumstances. I have no idea,” Dowd said. He would not discuss the nature of the investigation.

In the past Rose has acknowledged betting on horse racing and dog racing Baseball personnel are prohibited from betting on baseball games but not from betting on other sporting events Rose was handed a copy of the commissioner’s announcement by Jim Ferguson the Reds’ vice president for publicity after yesterday’s 4-3 victory over Detroit General manager Murray Cook also received a copy Cook said it was the first he had heard of the inquiry “I have to think it’s a confidential investigation and I certainly respect it as such” Cook said “We’ll be advised when the time comes I don’t want to speculate on anything”

Reds owner Marge Schott was unavailable for comment.