Angel Hernandez, the controversial MLB umpire, has announced his retirement after being approached by the league earlier in the season. Hernandez has been a polarizing figure in the sport for decades, known for his inconsistent strike zone and quick ejections. His departure is expected to happen immediately, and he has not umped a game since May 9 as the two sides worked out a financial agreement. Despite the criticism directed towards him, Hernandez’s lawyer insists that he was not forced out and that his decision to retire was amicable.
Hernandez started umpiring in the MLB in 1991 and has been a constant source of headlines over the past decade. From his legal battle with MLB in 2017 to the controversy surrounding his officiating, Hernandez has often found himself in the spotlight. In a statement released by MLB confirming his retirement, Hernandez expressed gratitude for living out his childhood dream of umpiring in the major leagues and highlighted the positive changes that have taken place in the game. It remains unclear what specifically led to Hernandez’s decision to retire, but it is possible that the criticism he faced played a role, especially considering the impact it had on his family.
Players and even MLB itself have been critical of Hernandez in the past, with some calling for him to find another profession. Several players, including Bryce Harper, Ian Kinsler, and C.C. Sabathia, have voiced their frustration with Hernandez’s officiating over the years. MLB has also cited Hernandez’s decision-making and conflict resolution abilities as reasons for not promoting him to a full-time crew chief position. Commissioner Rob Manfred touched on the retirement process for umpires during a recent press conference, highlighting the physical demands of the job and the need to consider factors such as career path and retirement planning for umpires.
Hernandez’s retirement marks the end of a controversial chapter in MLB umpiring history, with many in the game expressing relief that he will no longer be a fixture on the field. While his departure was met with mixed reactions, with some acknowledging his contributions to promoting diversity in the sport, others are hopeful that his retirement will lead to a more seamless and less contentious officiating environment. As Hernandez prepares to spend more time with his family, he leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for both his contributions to the game and the controversy that surrounded his career.
