Pete Rose’s family hosts public visitation at Great American Ball Park

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - It was emotional as fans walked out of great American Ball Park on Sunday after saying goodbye to Cincinnati Reds legend, Pete Rose.

"He was my idol growing up," says Hoss Stevens, who traveled from Michigan for the visitation. "Man you never saw anyone play baseball the way he did. I tried to play baseball because of Pete."

From 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday, fans were able to go inside the stadium to say their goodbyes to the hit-king.

"He was the epitome of baseball," Stevens continued. "None of the players today, nor in the future, will play the game like he did. 100%, all the time."

Videos from Rose's life played in the stadium as fans had the opportunity to talk with his family.

"You could tell the family appreciates his fans," said one fan, Robert Dolan. "I thanked them for sharing their father with us for all of these years."

Travis and Debbie Carlson came all the way from California to pay their respects and say goodbye.

Travis says he has collected Pete Rose memorabilia for 35 years, and even has a room dedicated to the MLB legend in his home.

With tears in his eyes, Travis says he will never forget meeting Rose's family.

"To see how generally proud the family is of their dad," he says. "They've been here for 14 hours. It's a great enjoyment of his life."

The impact that Rose has had on baseball will never be forgotten.

Many people who spoke with FOX19 NOW hope that he's also remembered by his love for his fans.

"Just when you would meet him outside of the ballpark, or as he would sign autographs, he would always try to engage you, and would tell a baseball story at the drop of the hat," says fan Scott Perry.

People of all ages withstood the rain to say goodbye to the legend.

Some families saw this as an opportunity to pass on their love of the Cincinnati icon to the next generation.

"I've loved Pete Rose since I was a kid, and now I've passed it on to my grandson," says one mother and fan, Theresa Fiessinger.

The visitation gave fans an opportunity to grieve Pete Rose, but also made clear that his impact on baseball (and people) will never be forgotten.

"You go and look at it now, and you see everything that he did," says fan Tim Connelly. "Not just the 4192, but everything. All the gold gloves, you almost have to say he was the greatest ever. All around."