MLB’s most infamous umpires, Angel Hernandez retiring after 3-decade

Angel Hernandez, one of Major League Baseball's most infamous umpires, has announced his retirement after a three-decade career. Hernandez was known for his controversial calls and confrontations with players and managers throughout his time in the league. Despite this, Hernandez was also respected for his dedication to the game and his unwavering commitment to upholding the rules of baseball.

Throughout his career, Hernandez worked numerous playoff games and even officiated in the World Series. His experience and knowledge of the game were evident in his work on the field, even if some of his calls were met with criticism. Hernandez's retirement marks the end of an era in MLB umpiring, as he was one of the longest-tenured officials in the league.

Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports was first on the news, citing a high-ranking baseball official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Hernandez's last game was on May 9 as the home-plate umpire when the Chicago White Sox beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-2 at Guaranteed Rate Field.

The league and Hernandez has spent the last two weeks negotiating a financial settlement and reached a resolution this weekend, the report added.

Hernandez worked only 10 games last season because of a back injury, but he missed 161 calls, according to Umpire Auditor.

He had three calls overturned at first base in Game 3 of the 2018 American League Division Series between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, with Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez lambasting him on TBS.

Particularly after the retirement of Joe West before the 2022 season, Hernández became the face of umpiring -- a job that has taken on increased importance with umpires relied upon to implement pace-of-game measures, including the pitch clock. Ball-and-strike umpiring, which became front and center in the criticism of Hernández, could soon be assisted -- or altogether taken over -- by the use of MLB's automated ball-strike system, which is currently utilized in the minor leagues but won't be in the big leagues until at earliest 2026.

The grading system of umpires is intentionally opaque, though commissioner Rob Manfred at last week's owner's meetings stood up for the league's work with umpires.

A native of Havana, Cuba, Hernandez currently resides in Florida. He was one of two MLB umpires assigned to the 2016 exhibition game between the Rays and the Cuban National Team in Havana. Hernandez and Laz Diaz worked alongside four Cuban umpires to call the game.

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Sarah H

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