Baseball’s most controversial umpire called it a career. Angel Hernandez, who has been criticized by many in the industry for decades, is retiring.
MLB first approached Hernandez about the possibility of retiring earlier this season, according to baseball sources. The criticism grew louder, and Hernandez was willing to move on. He has not played a game since the two sides reached a financial agreement on May 9.
“He was not forced to leave,” Hernandez’s attorney Kevin Murphy told Competitor Via SMS. He is expected to leave his post immediately.
In 1991, Hernandez made his MLB debut. From his large and inconsistent strike zone, to his quick ejections, to his unsuccessful attempt to sue MLB for discrimination in 2017, he’s made headlines in a profession where most prefer not to be noticed.
USA Today first reported the news of his retirement. Shortly after the news broke Monday night, MLB released a statement from Hernandez confirming his retirement.
“Since my first major league game in 1991, I have been able to fulfill my childhood dream of umpiring in the major leagues, and it has been a wonderful experience,” the statement read. “There is nothing like working in a career you love. It’s even better. I cherish the camaraderie of my colleagues and the friendships I’ve made along the way, including our locker room attendants in various cities.
“I have decided that I want to spend more time with my family. Needless to say, the game of baseball has undergone many positive changes since I first entered the game. This includes expanding and promoting minority groups. I am proud that I am able to serve in this role Major League Baseball umpires were actively involved in the goal.
Beyond what Hernandez mentioned in his statement, it’s unclear what led to Hernandez’s decision, although the vitriol may have played a role.
“What hurt him the most,” Murphy told Competitor In a recent profile, “The pain his two daughters and his wife went through knowing (the criticism) was so incredibly undeserved.”
The league reached out to Hernandez in part because of the disruption he continues to cause. Industry insiders have long called for Hernandez to leave the industry.
“Every year. It’s the same story,” Bryce Harper said last season. “Same.”
“He needs to find another job,” Ian Kinsler said in 2017.
“I don’t understand why he makes these games,” CC Sabathia said in 2018.
Even Major League Baseball has criticized Hernandez, although that criticism mostly comes from court documents. They said his decision-making and the way he handled conflicts prevented him from being promoted to a full-time crew position.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred mentioned the umpire retirement process when he addressed reporters at the MLB owners meeting last week, but he did not mention it directly. to Hernandez.
“Referee management is … a physically demanding job,” Manfred said. “It’s not just assessment, training and discipline. It’s also about thinking about their career path, how long should they stay there? It involves things like your retirement planning.
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(Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
