Controversial MLB referee Ángel Hernández announces his retirement after 30 years.
The beloved hated character who often caused unrest in the games has decided to take off his mask after more than three decades.
In his statement released Monday night, Hernández recalled his journey, saying, “Since my first major league game in 1991, it has been a wonderful experience living out my dream as a major league baseball umpire. There is nothing better than enjoying a job you love.”
Hernández also valued the friendships he built with his colleagues and maids during his tenure.
Despite his fan favorite status, Hernández has had to deal with heavy criticism from fans, players and managers as his controversial ball-and-strike decisions as well as his controversial fielding decisions have been frequently discussed and shared online. His controversial moments are ingrained in baseball history and are repeated ad infinitum.
In 2023, as third base umpire, Hernández made a controversial call against Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper during a full-count situation, resulting in Harper’s dismissal. Harper couldn’t hide his frustration, saying, “It’s Angel in the middle of something again. It’s the same story every year. That’s not right.”
In another case in 2022, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber showed his disapproval of Hernández’s third strikeout decision in the ninth inning of a thrilling game against the Milwaukee Brewers, which led to his dismissal. Schwarber was furious, pointing at Hernández and yelling, “You are absolute sludge!”
After the 2018 ALDS, New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia was also critical, calling Hernández “absolutely bad” in a post-game interview and suggesting he should not participate in important games. Three of Hernández’s decisions from that series were later reversed by video review.
A platform called Umpire Auditor, which criticizes MLB umpires, thanked Hernández for the content he has provided over the years.
“You gave me more material than I ever dreamed of. I don’t deserve you. Enjoy your retirement, King,” Umpire Auditor wrote on Twitter.
Hernández filed a lawsuit against MLB in 2017, alleging racial discrimination over the lack of promotions for him as a Cuban umpire. A U.S. court and a federal appeals court dismissed the case in 2021 and 2023, respectively.
Hernández began his major league career in 1993, two years after being named as a reserve umpire for his first game. He has officiated 12 Division Series, 8 League Championship Series, 2 World Series and 3 All-Star Games.
“With the many positive changes in the game of baseball since I began my career, including the expansion and advancement of minorities, I am happy to have been part of this initiative as a major league umpire,” concluded Hernández.
His last game was the Chicago White Sox game against the Cleveland Guardians on May 9 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago.
At 62, Hernández wants to spend more time with his family.
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Those: edition.cnn.com
2024-05-28 16:22:37
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