On the eve of this year's Hall of Fame announcements, former Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr. says Pete Rose should be allowed into the Hall of Fame on the strength of his stellar career.

"The issue about whether (Rose's) career should be celebrated in the Hall of Fame, I think absolutely. He's the all-time hit leader, his accomplishments are as great as anyone who's ever played the game," Ripken said in an exclusive ESPN interview Monday. "And so if you think about the Hall of Fame in a way that celebrates the history of baseball, he certainly should be celebrated in the Hall of Fame."

However, Ripken said he isn't sure on whether Rose should return to a career in baseball.

"I mean, who am I to actually say or judge that?" Ripken said. "That's an issue that somebody will have to decide, but as far as the Hall of Fame, you know, he's the all-time hit leader, he should be there."

Rose agreed to a lifetime ban from baseball in August 1989 after an investigation of his gambling. Because of the ban, he cannot appear on the Hall of Fame ballot.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.