Baseball’s most controversial umpire is calling it a job. Ángel Hernández, who has received much criticism in the gaming world for decades, is retiring.
According to one baseball source, MLB first approached Hernández about the possibility of retirement earlier this season. The criticism grew louder and Hernandez kept going. He has not played since May 9 as the two sides reached a financial agreement.
“He wasn’t forced out,” said Hernández’s attorney, Kevin Murphy. athletic Via text message. His departure is expected to be immediate.
Hernández played in his first MLB game in 1991. Over the past decade, he has been the subject of constant controversy. From his large and inconsistent strike zone to his quick exits to his failed 2017 lawsuit against MLB for discrimination, he’s made headlines in an industry where most people prefer to stay out of the spotlight.
USA Today first reported the news of his retirement. Shortly after the news broke Monday night, MLB released a statement confirming Hernández’s retirement.
“Starting with my first major league game in 1991, I had the great experience of realizing my childhood dream of becoming a major league umpire.” “There is nothing better than working in a job you love. I cherished the camaraderie of my teammates and the friendships I developed along the way, including locker room crews in several cities.
“I decided I wanted to spend more time with my family. Needless to say, there have been many positive changes to the game since I first entered the baseball world. This includes the expansion and promotion of minorities. “I am proud to be able to actively participate in that goal while serving as a major league umpire,” he said.
It’s unclear what led to Hernandez’s decision beyond what he said in his statement, but it’s possible that the vitriol that dictated his approach played a role.
“It’s what hurts him the most,” Murphy said. athletic A recent profile describes “the pain my two daughters and wife go through, knowing that (criticism) is incredibly undeserved.”
One of the reasons the league approached Hernández was because of the constant disruption he caused. Players around the game have long called for Hernandez to leave the industry.
“Every year. It’s the same story.” “Same thing,” Bryce Harper said last season.
“He needs to find another job,” Ian Kinsler said in 2017.
“I don’t understand why he plays like this,” CC Sabathia said in 2018.
Even MLB has been critical of Hernandez, but that criticism has primarily come through court filings. They said his decision-making and conflict handling prevented him from being promoted to full-time crew chief.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the umpires’ retirement process while speaking with reporters at last week’s MLB Owners’ Meeting, but did not mention Hernández directly.
Manfred said, “Referee management… “It’s physically demanding,” he said. “This is more than just assessment, training and discipline. It also applies to things like thinking about your career. How long should I be there? And that means things like retirement programs.”
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(Photo: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images)
