Ángel Hernández, a controversial MLB umpire who unsuccessfully sued Major League Baseball for racial discrimination, is reportedly retiring effective Tuesday. The 62-year-old had been negotiating a financial settlement with MLB since he last umpired a game on May 9, reaching an agreement over the weekend. The news of his retirement comes just days after a profile in The Athletic highlighted Hernández’s many mistakes and the sharp reactions they have invited from some of the game’s most respected voices. Despite his 93.2 percent accuracy rate calling balls and strikes ranking 63rd among 85 MLB umpires this season, Hernández’s name is widely recognized among fans due to a number of controversial incidents over the years.
Hernández began his professional umpiring career in the Gulf Coast League in 1981 and was appointed a full-time National League umpire in 1993, making him one of the longest-tenured umpires in the game’s history. A notorious incident in 2013 tarnished Hernández’s reputation when he ruled a fly ball hit by Adam Rosales of the Oakland A’s as a double, despite video evidence showing it was a home run. He also faced allegations of improperly eavesdropping on a call between MLB official Joe Torre and another umpire in 2019. Public criticism from popular figures like manager Ron Washington, Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez, and others have added to Hernández’s negative reputation.
One of the most significant incidents involving Hernández was his lawsuit against MLB in 2017, where he alleged racial discrimination in the promotion of umpires. The lawsuit was dismissed twice for a lack of evidence, with MLB contending that Hernández was not promoted due to a failure to exhibit leadership. Ironically, shortly after filing the lawsuit, Hernández was selected as part of the umpiring crew for the 2017 MLB All-Star Game. While his retirement marks the end of his tenure as a senior arbiter in MLB, it also signifies the loss of a popular target for fans’ criticism. This retirement will undoubtedly have an impact on the sport, as Hernández’s presence on the field has sparked heated debates and controversies over the years.
The news of Hernández’s retirement comes after reports of him negotiating a financial settlement with MLB. Despite his relatively low accuracy rate among umpires, Hernández’s name has become widely recognized due to a series of controversial incidents throughout his career. The spotlight on him intensified with the publication of a damning profile in The Athletic, shedding light on his mistakes and the strong reactions they have elicited from within the baseball community. While his retirement may come as a relief to some, it also marks the departure of a figure who has played a significant role in shaping the discourse surrounding umpiring in professional baseball.
As one of the longest-tenured umpires in MLB history, Hernández’s retirement signifies the end of an era for the sport. His career, marred by high-profile mistakes and controversies, has made him a lightning rod for criticism from fans, players, and managers alike. While his accuracy rate may not have been among the highest, Hernández’s impact on the game extends beyond his performance on the field. The legacy he leaves behind raises important questions about the role of umpires in professional sports and the challenges they face in maintaining fairness and integrity in their decisions. Ultimately, Hernández’s retirement marks the end of a chapter in MLB history, as the sport moves forward without one of its most polarizing and recognizable figures on the field.
