It’s a day that many of us thought would never come … Longtime MLB umpire Angel Hernandez is finally retiring.
According to reports, the ultra-controversial Hernandez will officially hang up his clicker this week.
In other words, the entire baseball world – fans, players, managers, broadcasters, everyone – will no longer have to deal with the man who is universally-regarded as the single-worst umpire in history.
Hernandez and Major League Baseball have reportedly spent the past few weeks negotiating the terms (and financial package) of Hernadez’s retirement.
Hernandez’s final appearance on the field was during the Chicago White Sox’s 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on May 9th.
The 62-year-old was subsequently replaced on his crew by umpire Jacob Metz.
Joining MLB as a full-time umpire in 1993, Hernandez swiftly garnered a reputation as one of the most controversial figures in baseball history.
Over the years, his calls – or, more notably, his perceived blown calls – have stoked intense criticism from players, managers, and fans alike.
The contentious relationship between Hernandez and Major League Baseball escalated in 2017 when he filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the league.
Alleging that he was denied a promotion to crew chief and overlooked for assignments such as the World Series due to his race, Hernandez’s legal battle extended for years before concluding unfavorably in 2021, with an unsuccessful appeal the following year.
During the legal proceedings, MLB cited multiple instances where Hernandez’s performance on the field was deemed subpar, exacerbating the rift between the umpire and the league.
The real question most people had was how could Hernandez continue to garner MLB assignments at all???
He was clearly the worst umpire in the league, and it seemed like he would blow calls each and every time he stepped foot on the field.
Hernandez’s final seasons were marred by injury, with a back ailment limiting his assignments.
Despite his reduced presence, controversies persisted.
Notably, during one game in September, Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper was ejected after a dispute with Hernandez over a checked-swing.
Harper’s frustrations boiled over as he tossed his helmet into the stands, expressing his understandable frustration against Hernandez.
(MUST-SEE video below…)
Reflecting on his tumultuous relationship with Hernandez, Harper remarked: “Angel in the middle of something again. It’s every year, same story, same thing … I’m probably going to get fined for being right, again.”
Former New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia also shared similar thoughts about Hernandez’s competence…
With his retirement, Hernandez’s relentless path of destruction is finally over.
For everyone’s sake, let’s hope he doesn’t decide to continue umpiring at a lower level.
Can you imagine the damage he would do in Little League??? (Don’t do it Angel – Please, think about the kids!)
What are your thoughts on Hernandez finally deciding to retire?
Do you agree that he is the worst umpire in MLB history?
What do you think is the single-worst call he’s ever made???
(You can do a top 25 if it’s too hard to narrow it down…)