Ángel Hernández, who is considered by many to be “Major League Baseball’s worst umpire,” is calling it quits. After three decades in the big leagues, the controversial Cuban-American ump is retiring – effective immediately.
According to ESPN, Hernández worked his last game on May 9.
In a statement, Hernández said he decided to leave the game because he wanted to spend more time with his family.
“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,” Hernández said. “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.”
Hernández added: “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.”
During his time in the MLB, Hernández was criticized for his calls on the field. Once social media became a tool for his critics, his reputation preceded him despite being liked by his fellow umpires.
In 2022, a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers went viral because Umpire Auditor, a website that keeps track of bad calls made by big-league umpires, pinged Hernández for missing 19 calls during the game.
In 2017, Hernández sued MLB for racial discrimination because he had not been assigned to work a World Series since 2005. He lost the lawsuit and a subsequent appeal.