NEW YORK, NY — It’s bad news from Jomboy Media who has reaped years of rewards on the bad calls made by Major League Baseball Umpire Angel Hernandez. He has announced he’s retiring.
MLB umpire Ángel Hernández has announced his immediate retirement, concluding a tumultuous three-decade tenure marked by frequent disputes with players and widespread criticism from fans. Hernández, 62, confirmed his retirement following earlier reports, according to a statement released today.
Hernández, whose umpiring career began in 1991, has officiated thousands of games. His final appearance came on May 9, after which Jacob Metz replaced him on Lance Barksdale’s crew. His departure from Major League Baseball involves a settlement, a source revealed.
The veteran umpire’s career was further marred by a 2017 lawsuit against MLB, in which he alleged racial discrimination. The lawsuit was dismissed by a district court judge, a decision that was later upheld by an appeals court last year. Hernández’s controversial calls, particularly during a 2018 playoff game where three of his decisions were overturned by replay in just the first four innings, fueled significant backlash.
Hernández’s contentious relations with the public intensified after the lawsuit, culminating in his retirement. His decision to retire follows a significant period missed during the 2023 season due to a back injury.
Despite his controversial on-field performance, Hernández is respected among his peers, who have supported him through increasing scrutiny in recent years. This season, Hernández’s judgment was again questioned after he called three strikes on clearly off-plate pitches during a game between Houston and Texas. Additionally, in 2022, he ejected Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber after a contentious strike call, adding to the criticisms faced by Hernández throughout his career.