What Is It? – Pete Rose “3000” Hits Commemorative Metal Object

I get e-mails all the time from people usually asking common questions about cards that can easily be answered.  The other day I received a question from a reader about an item I’ve never seen before.  I’m not too sure what it is or how it was distributed, so I thought it would make for an interesting post.  Does anyone have an idea of what this is?

Here is the e-mail that goes along with it:

My brother and I ran across this Pete Rose desk paper weight.  It has a coin that we cannot find any information on.  We think it may have belonged to the person who ran the Riverfront Stadium in 1978 and may have been custom made for him.  Judging by the aged color of the resin it’s enclosed in it maybe about that old.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  We have no idea what it is or what it may be worth.  I have attached two pictures of the item and feel free to forward the email to anyone who may be able to help.