CINCINNATI — The hitting streak began on June 14 and will end on Aug. 1.

The hitting streak belonged to former Cincinnati Reds great Pete Rose, the all-time hit leader in Major League Baseball history with 4,256.

The year was 1978 when Rose began a 44-game hitting streak, tying the National League record set by Tommy Holmes.

To commemorate Rose’s amazing feat, the Reds are offering free admission to their Hall of Fame to fans with same-day tickets between now and July 31.

The offer is available only on game days.

“This is our way of inviting all Reds fans to join in the celebration of Pete’s career and thanking them for their loyalty to the team over the years,” said Robert Castellini, president of the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Board of Directors.

Fans can present their game ticket at the Hall of Fame box office and gain free admittance. Regular admission prices will be in effect on all other non-game dates.

Operating hours for the Hall of Fame have been extended to before, during, and after all home games.

Rose banged out 70 hits during his streak, the second longest in history behind Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hit streak.

It marked the first real threat to DiMaggio’s record in 37 years.

The Hall of Fame museum features a “PETE” exhibit that focuses on the 24-year playing career of Rose, who was the National League and 1975 World Series MVP, the 1963 Rookie of the Year, and holds numerous records besides the most hits.

Rose’s streak began on June 14, 1978 at Riverfront Stadium against the Chicago Cubs and ended in Atlanta against the Braves on July 31.

The museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. on Sundays on non-game days.