I would bet big bucks that Pete Rose would be in baseball’s Hall of Fame by now if he had mastered one basic skill that many workers fail to grasp: how to apologize effectively.

After years of denials, Rose has finally admitted that he bet on baseball, including games involving the Cincinnati Reds when he was their manager. But his admission is foul by a mile.

Fifteen years ago, then-Commissioner Bart Giamatti left open the possibility that Rose could return to baseball, if he admitted he was wrong and demonstrated that he would be unlikely to gamble if he returned.

But Rose’s statements fall way short on the apology scale. They’re too late, they’re insincere and they seem to be motivated by selfish reasons.

In any workplace, including Major League Baseball, a good apology comes quickly. The more you wait, the more likely it will come across as insincere. Fifteen days is too long; 15 years is ridiculous.

The apology needs to show that you understand why the other person was hurt or offended. Rose’s comments sound more like he’s rationalizing what he did and minimizing it rather than appreciating how he tarnished baseball’s image.

And the apology needs to show that you’re taking steps to make sure you don’t repeat the mistake. Rose still gambles, which would hardly be reassuring if you were baseball’s commissioner.

If Rose had admitted he was addicted to gambling, pointed out how his addiction made him do stupid things like violating ethical codes and lying to bosses, and explained how he had gone through a 12-step program to cope with the addiction, baseball would probably welcome him back with open arms.

But instead, he’s trying to steal home, even though all the signs say no.