Major League Baseball (MLB) umpire Ángel Hernández, a 33-year veteran, is retiring, USA TODAY reported Monday.
Hernández, an umpire who was often criticized by players, managers and fans, reached a financial agreement with MLB this weekend after a two-week negotiation, according to USA TODAY.
In a statement Monday night to USA TODAY Sports, Hernández confirmed his retirement:
“Starting with my first major league game in 1991, I have had the very good experience of living out my childhood dream of umpiring in the major leagues. I treasured the camaraderie of my colleagues and the friendships I have made along the way … I have decided that I want to spend more time with my family.” (RELATED: MLB’s Worst Umpire Angel Hernandez Is In Mid-Season Form, Already Calling Obvious Strikes Balls)
Much-maligned umpire Ángel Hernández to retire from Major League Baseball https://t.co/y23XB8e08F
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) May 28, 2024
Hernández first became an MLB umpire in 1993, but in the past couple of years, players and managers have considered him to be the worst umpire in the game.
A back injury sidelined Hernandez in the 2023 season, and he umpired only 10 games. Umpire Auditor, however, claimed he still missed 161 calls.
In the 2018 American League Division Series, Hernandez had three of his calls at first base overturned in Game 3, prompting Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez to blast him on live television.
“Ángel was horrible,” Martinez said. “Don’t get me going on Ángel now. Major League Baseball needs to do something about Ángel.”
Although MLB statistical studies and reports never considered Hernandez the worst umpire in the game, to many fans and players, there wasn’t an umpire who missed more calls.
“I don’t understand why he’s doing these games. He’s always bad. He’s a bad umpire,” star Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia said after Game 3 of the 2018 Divisional Series.
“There have been many positive changes in the game of baseball since I first entered the profession. This includes the expansion and promotion of minorities. I am proud that I was able to be an active participant in that goal while being a major league umpire,” Hernandez said, according to USA Today.
