MLB Legend Pete Rose Dead At 83

6:55 PM PT -- Major League Baseball released a statement following the passing of Pete Rose ... extending their condolences to Rose's family, friends and friends "who admired his greatness, grit and determination on the field of play."

MLB legend Pete Rose has died at the age of 83, TMZ Sports has learned.

Rose, Major League Baseball's hit king, passed away earlier today at his home in Las Vegas ... where he was found by a family member.

Pete's agent, Ryan Fiterman of Fiterman Sports, confirmed the news, adding ... "the family is asking for privacy at this time."

The cause of Pete's death is unclear. The Clark County ME (NV) has Rose's body, and they will conduct an autopsy this week.

Pete was at a Fiterman Sports Group meet-and-greet in Nashville on Sunday afternoon. Rose was in a wheelchair, but we're told that's just 'cause his back was aching. He appeared to be in good spirits, taking photos and signing for droves of fans.

Rose even took a pic alongside Big Red Machine teammates Dave Concepcion, George Foster, Tony Perez, and Ken Griffey Sr.

Pete, nicknamed "Charlie Hustle" for his tenacious play, was one of the greatest baseball players to ever grace a diamond, earning 17 All-Star Game nods, winning three World Series titles and the 1973 N.L. MVP.

No player in the 100+ year history of Major League Baseball had more hits than Pete, who accumulated an astounding 4,256 hits over his 24-season career.

Rose also led MLB in games played (3,562), at-bats (15,890) and plate appearances (14,053).

In the field, Rose was very versatile ... playing first base, second base, third base, and the outfield.

Pete spent the majority of his legendary career with the Cincinnati Reds, but also played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Montreal Expos, before returning to Cinci and finishing his career as a player-manager.

Rose hung up the spikes for good (as a player) in 1986.

Of course, Rose wasn't without controversy. He was banned from baseball by MLB commissioner Bart Giamatti in 1989 after the league determined he'd bet on baseball.

After denying he'd wagered on baseball for years, Pete ultimately admitted to it in the mid-2000s.

"The Reds are heartbroken to learn of the passing of baseball legend Pete Rose," the organization said of Pete's passing.

Despite coming clean, MLB never lifted the lifetime ban, despite Rose -- who was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame -- being considered one of the best players ever.

Now, in death, it remains to be seen whether Pete will finally have his rightful place in Cooperstown.