NEW YORK, NY: Umpire Angel Hernandez is retiring. One of the most controversial figures in the game, the source of much ire and frustration by fans and players alike, Hernandez has umpired his last game in Major League Baseball, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports was first to report.
Before coming to an agreement over the weekend, MLB and Hernández had been in talks for the previous two weeks over a monetary settlement.
Angel Hernandez has confirmed his retirement in a statement, which reads:
"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.
"There is nothing better than working at a profession that you enjoy. I treasured the camaraderie of my colleagues and the friendships I have made along the way, including our locker room attendants in all the various cities.
"I have decided that I want to spend more time with my family.
"Needless to say, 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, 62, worked his final game which was a White Sox 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians at Guaranteed Rate Field. Hernandez was the home plate umpire in that contest.
At the age of 20, Hernández, a Cuban-American, started working as a professional umpire in the Florida State League. In 1991, he received a promotion to become a full-time MLB umpire. Players and management have since regarded him as the worst umpire in the sport.
Hernandez has become a laughing stock around the league for his constant missed called and consistent performances time and time again.
Due to a back ailment, Hernandez was only involved in 10 games last season; yet, Umpire Auditor reports that he missed 161 calls.
In Game 3 of the 2018 American League Division Series between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, he had three calls at first base reversed. Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez chastised him on TBS for the incident.
"Ángel was horrible," he said. "Don't get me going on Ángel now. Major League Baseball needs to do something about Ángel. It doesn't matter how many times he sues Major League Baseball, he's as bad as there is."
Said Pedro Martinez
In recent times, Wyatt Langford, a rookie with the Texas Rangers, struck out on three straight pitches that were outside the strike zone earlier on April 12 of this season, and Hernandez was immediately attacked on social media. Seven more pitchers who were at least three inches outside the strike zone were missed by him.
Hernandez is a veteran of the game and has had some great years of work under his belt. However, in recent history, Hernandez is regarded as the game’s worst umpire and has been criticized countless times on social media. Something that Hernandez will likely be attached to for the future.
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