Ángel Hernández, a controversial MLB umpire, has announced his retirement after a three-decade-long career. In recent years, Hernández has become a target of criticism from players and fans on social media. The 62-year-old umpire has reached a settlement with Major League Baseball and will leave the game after umpiring thousands of games since his debut in 1991.
Hernández’s retirement comes after a lawsuit he filed against MLB in 2017, alleging racial discrimination. Although the lawsuit was thrown out by a district court judge and upheld by an appeals court last year, it added to the animosity Hernández faced. His reputation took a hit due to his penchant for bad calls, including having three calls reversed by replay in a 2018 playoff game. This led to a groundswell of criticism from fans.
Umpire Angel Hernández’s retirement also sheds light on the challenges faced by umpires in recent years. They have become the subject of increased criticism, and Hernández emerged as one of the most maligned figures in the game. Despite being well-liked among his fellow umpires, his on-field performance left much to be desired.
Hernández’s retirement raises questions about the future of umpiring in baseball. The introduction of instant replay and the potential use of MLB’s automated ball-strike system in the future may change the dynamics of ball-and-strike calls. The grading system for umpires remains opaque, but Commissioner Rob Manfred has defended the league’s evaluation system. He emphasized that umpires are evaluated twice a year and that there are monetary consequences based on their performance.
Hernández’s lack of playoff assignments and his failure to be promoted to crew chief formed the basis of his lawsuit against the league. He accused league executive Joe Torre of having an “overly confrontational style.” However, the judge ruled in favor of MLB, granting them a summary judgment.
In his statement announcing his retirement, Hernández expressed gratitude for living out his childhood dream of umpiring in the major leagues. He also highlighted the positive changes in the game of baseball, particularly the expansion and promotion of minorities. Hernández is proud to have been a part of that progress while serving as a Major League umpire.
Overall, Ángel Hernández’s retirement marks the end of a controversial career in MLB umpiring. It raises important questions about the future of umpiring in baseball and highlights the challenges faced by umpires in the modern game. While his retirement may bring relief to some fans and players, it also serves as a reminder of the complexities and demands of being an umpire in one of America’s most beloved sports.
