Ángel Hernández, a Major League Baseball umpire known for being controversial and disliked by fans and players, has announced his retirement from the league. The 62-year-old official last worked a game on May 9 and has been negotiating the terms of his retirement with MLB over the past two weeks. Hernández began his full-time umpiring career in 1993 and quickly gained a reputation for making questionable calls on the field. He also filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against MLB in 2017, claiming he was passed over for promotions and high-profile assignments due to his race.
During the 2023 season, Hernández missed a significant number of calls while working only 10 games due to a back injury. According to Umpire Auditor, he made 161 bad calls in those 10 games, earning him the lowest rating among umpires for the season. One of the games Hernández officiated in September resulted in Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper being ejected after an argument over a call. Harper threw his helmet into the stands and charged at Hernández before being restrained and forced to leave the field. This incident was just one example of the controversies that have surrounded Hernández throughout his career.
Despite the backlash and criticism, Hernández has remained a fixture in MLB for nearly three decades, working numerous postseason games but not receiving assignments for World Series or League Championship Series in recent years. His retirement marks the end of an era for a controversial figure in baseball umpiring. While some fans and players may be relieved to see Hernández leave the league, others may remember him for his contributions to the sport, whether positive or negative. Regardless, his retirement signifies a significant change in the world of baseball officiating.
Over the years, Hernández has been involved in several high-profile incidents on the field, earning the ire of many baseball fans and players. His departure from the league will likely be met with mixed reactions from those who have followed his career closely. While some may view his retirement as long overdue, others may acknowledge Hernández’s long tenure in the sport and the impact he has had on the game. As he steps away from his role as a MLB umpire, Hernández leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for both his controversial calls and his contributions to the sport.
Despite his retirement being met with controversy and criticism, it marks the end of a significant chapter in Hernández’s career and in MLB history. His departure from the league will undoubtedly lead to changes in baseball officiating and may prompt discussions about the role of umpires in the game. While Hernández’s retirement may signal the end of an era for some fans and players, it also offers an opportunity for reflection on the impact he has had on the sport. As Hernández moves on to new endeavors, his legacy as one of the most polarizing figures in baseball umpiring will continue to be a topic of discussion among baseball enthusiasts and historians alike.
