NEW YORK -- Seven months after his lawyer met with a top official of commissioner Bud Selig, Pete Rose said he still hasn't been told the status of his application for reinstatement.

"They're not returning my lawyer's phone calls," Rose said Tuesday after a charity softball game in Montclair, N.J. "Maybe I should give Bud a call."

Rose, who agreed in 1989 to a lifetime ban from baseball following a six-month investigation of his gambling, applied for reinstatement in September 1997.

His application languished without action until last fall, when he was given the longest and loudest ovation of any player at the introductions of baseball's All-Century team, before Game 2 of the World Series at Atlanta's Turner Field.

Baseball sent Bob DuPuy, Selig's top lawyer, to meet with Rose's lawyer, Roger Makley, on Jan. 27 in Columbus, Ohio. Makley presented what Rose's side called evidence that showed he didn't bet on baseball while managing the Cincinnati Reds.

"Roger gave him some really good stuff," Rose said. "I felt afterward at least I'd have a meeting with Bud Selig."

Baseball's career hits leader said that if he doesn't hear back, eventually he'll go to court.

"I don't want a fight," he said. "Mr. Makley is eventually going to tell me we're going to do what we have to do. There's going to come a time."

Selig has repeatedly said that he hasn't seen any evidence that would make him alter the lifetime ban.

Rose would like some response.

"I think the American people demand that," he said.

While he's on the banned-for-life list, Rose is ineligible for consideration for the Hall of Fame. Because of his status, he wasn't allowed to participate in ceremonies earlier this year honoring two of the World Series champions he played for: the 1975 Cincinnati Reds and the 1980 Philadelphia Phillies.

Selig has said allowing Rose to participate in the All-Century team introduction last Oct. 24 was a one-time exception to the lifetime ban.

"They say, 'No news is good news?' Not for me," Rose said.

DuPuy did not return a telephone message seeking comment.

Also participating in the softball game, sponsored by Chips Ahoy, were Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan, Bob Gibson and Joe Morgan, and Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.