About a month before the start of the regular season, players and fans of the Cincinnati Reds are paying their final respects to Marge Schott, owner of the team from 1985-1999. Both loved and hated, Schott became an icon for a team that has seen its share of victories and defeats over the last two decades.

Most remembered for racist and politically incorrect comments and even a one-year ban from her day-to-day duties as owner, she has definitely left her mark on Cincinnati. People remember all the infamous comments and gestures she made that always made headlines the next day.

I don't condone these actions, but I do think that it is unfortunate that these isolated incidents have become her legacy. In truth, there is much more to Marge Schott than the infamy that has plagued her name.

First, common sense would dictate that she wouldn't be kept in a position as owner for 15 years if she weren't good at it. She was an intelligent businesswoman that was partially responsible for bringing some of the finest players that have ever played the game to Cincinnati.

Those players brought many home runs and stolen bases to the team's credit, not to mention all the cheers and standing ovations from thousands of devoted fans. Those players are what bring the fans back to the stadium week after week. Those players are a major reason why the team won the World Series in 1990.

While Schott can't be credited for that World Series victory, I do hold a lot of respect for what she said during that time. She was quoted in Sports Illustrated as saying that the World Series was dedicated to the men and women serving in the armed forces in the Middle East. Fourteen years later, we find brave men and women once again stepping up to the plate and protecting our flag and our freedom. Those that serve in the military have always been silent heroes, in a sense. Even though it was a small gesture, I think it speaks volumes about Schott and the kind of person she really was.

Another reason is respect Marge Schott is her high-profile support of Pete Rose, one of the greatest players of all time. I think her support of Rose and continued belief that he should be reinstated speaks volumes about her as well. This shows her as loyal, compassionate, and honest. She has repeatedly told various media that Rose should not be shunned by the game that he played such a vital role in.

I hope one day the lifetime ban on Rose will be lifted. I think it's unfortunate that one of his biggest fans and supporters will not be around to see that day. If that day does indeed come, I will always believe that Schott played a pivotal role in it. I see that as one of the greatest things Schott has given to baseball.

Sadly, one of Cincinnati's true legends is gone. May we remember her always for her triumphs and achievements and her compassion. Let us not continue to criticize her for her mistakes. We owe it to her and her memory to let her finally rest in peace.