In news that sent shockwaves through the baseball world, Angel Hernandez, one of the most polarizing figures in the sport’s history, announced his sudden retirement on Monday.
Hernandez of course is widely regarded as the worst umpire in Major League Baseball history.
Pulling back the curtain, Hernandez released a statement detailing his decision.
“Starting with my first Major League game in 1991, I have had the very good experience of living out my childhood dream of umpiring in the major leagues,” Hernandez stated.
“There is nothing better than working at a profession that you enjoy. I treasured the camaraderie of my colleagues and the friendships I have made along the way, including our locker room attendants in all the various cities.”
“Needless to say, there have been many positive changes in the game of baseball since I first entered the profession.
“This includes the expansion and promotion of minorities. I am proud that I was able to be an active participant in that goal while being a Major League umpire.”
The 62-year-old Hernandez cited his desire to spend more time with his family as one of the primary reasons for his retirement.
Hernandez’s final game as an umpire in the Major Leagues was the series opener between the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Guardians at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 9th, a game which the White Sox won 3-2.
According to Ump Score Cards, Hernandez posted a 109.3 CCAx (Correct Calls Above Expected) and -1.3 CCAx (Correct Calls Above Expected) in that game.
Prior to his retirement, Hernandez’s performance as an umpire was subject to heavy and warranted scrutiny.
Umpiring statistics placing him in the 26th percentile among MLB umpires in terms of accuracy, 69th in expected accuracy, 11th in accuracy above expected, and 20th in consistency, according to Ump Score Cards.
Needless to say, Hernandez’s decision to retire came as a welcomed surprise to the vast majority of fans, players and managers.
His numerous mistakes and blown calls were often humorous – unless they came at the expense of your team.
Hernandez’s retirement marks a day that many thought would never come.
But it’s an occasion that couldn’t have possibly come soon enough – and the baseball world took to social media to celebrate it…
“We tried to give Angel free LASIK but he missed the call,” LASIK’s official X account posted.
“Angel Hernandez was probably the worst umpire of all time. But without him, we wouldn’t have this hilarious moment, and for that I will be forever grateful.”
“That time CC was brutally honest about Angel Hernandez…”
“People really don’t talk enough about how Angel Hernandez, arguably the worst MLB umpire of all time, tried to sue the MLB for racism for not assigning him to playoff games and in court the MLB just wheeled out a TV and showed how dogshit he was at his job.”
“There’s been too much negativity surrounding Angel Hernandez’s retirement, so I made this tribute video out of respect for his legacy with Major League Baseball…”
“Angel Hernandez has retired” … “Everyone who has ever been a fan of baseball…”
“Maybe Angel misunderstood that pitches inside the box are strikes and outside the balls He seemed to always call it backwards.”
“Good riddance, the worst. Thank God.”
What are your thoughts on Hernandez’s decision to retire?
Is he indeed the absolute WORST umpire of all-time?
Is there a part of you that feels bad for him? … Or are you thrilled that this day has finally come???