Cincinnati Reds' Pete Rose Collects First MLB Hit on This Day in 1963

Rose's triple off Pirates pitcher Bob Friend kicked off his record-breaking career.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:50pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes of red, blue, and gold, conceptually representing the energy and movement of Pete Rose's first major league hit.Pete Rose's historic first MLB hit in 1963 set the stage for his record-breaking career.Cincinnati Today

On April 13, 1963, Cincinnati Reds second baseman Pete Rose recorded his first major league hit, a triple off Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Bob Friend at Crosley Field. This hit marked the start of Rose's illustrious career, which would eventually see him become MLB's all-time hit leader with nearly 4,200 hits.

Why it matters

Pete Rose's first hit was a significant milestone in his journey to becoming one of the greatest players in baseball history. His record-breaking career and status as an MLB legend make this an important moment in sports history.

The details

Prior to his first hit, Rose had gone 0-for-11 to start his MLB career. His triple off Bob Friend in that April 13, 1963 game at Crosley Field was the beginning of a storied career that would see Rose win Rookie of the Year in 1963 and eventually surpass Ty Cobb as the all-time MLB hits leader.

  • On April 13, 1963, Pete Rose recorded his first major league hit.

The players

Pete Rose

A Cincinnati Reds second baseman who went on to become MLB's all-time hits leader with nearly 4,200 hits over his 24-year career.

Bob Friend

The Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher who gave up Pete Rose's first major league hit, a triple.

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The takeaway

Pete Rose's first major league hit on April 13, 1963 marked the start of one of the most prolific careers in baseball history, as the Cincinnati Reds star would go on to shatter the all-time hits record and cement his legacy as an MLB legend.