In a move that is likely to have supporters popping champagne and dancing in the streets from coast to coast, the notorious Ángel Hernándezis has permanently hung up his mask and chest protection. On Tuesday, the divisive veteran umpire who has managed to annoy managers, players and fans for thirty years will officially retire from Major League Baseball.
An era has come to an end with the statement, which was first leaked to USA TODAY Sports by an official who spoke on condition of anonymity (perhaps to avoid a barrage of thank-you cards from appreciative fans). a time marked by dubious phone conversations, players' irate faces, and several viral social media tirades.
On May 9, Hernández, 62, managed the Chicago White Sox in a 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians at the ballpark. He was replaced after that game by Jacob Metz, and baseballs all throughout America are said to have sighed with relief.
Hernández and MLB had been in negotiations for the previous two weeks, and over the weekend, a financial resolution was eventually reached
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Now that the dust has settled, baseball can start to recover from the injuries caused by far too many dubious calls. During his presidency, Hernández faced some controversy. He notably sued MLB in 2017 stating he was passed over for important assignments due to his Cuban-American ethnicity, citing racial discrimination.
But the courts did not perceive it that way. The complaint was thrown out in 2021, and the ruling was affirmed the following year. The appeals court said unequivocally that Hernández had not proven that there was a meaningful difference in the advancement rates of white and minority umpires.
The majority of fans will recall or want to forget Hernández's on-field performance despite his legal disputes. His propensity to miss calls was unmatched, and his strike zone was as unpredictable as a knuckleball. Wyatt Langford, a rookie with the Texas Rangers, can witness to this having struck out on three pitches on April 12 of this season that in any other world would have been balls.
Not even Hall of Famers could contain their annoyance. Pedro Martinez didn't hold back when he saw Hernández's poor call execution during the 2018 ALDS: "Ángel was dreadful. Don't start me on Ángel just yet. Regarding Ángel, Major League Baseball must take action."
And who could forget the post-game tantrum that CC Sabathia had? "I'm not sure why he's playing these games. He's never good. Pitcher for the Yankees bemoaned, "He's a bad umpire."
While the baseball community may not have deemed him the worst umpire statistically, the general public undoubtedly did. Hernández is forever remembered as the umpire who could make an ordinary game into a mind-boggling extravaganza.
Hernández reflected on his experience from his first Major League game in 1991 to his last days on the pitch in his retiring statement. He spoke the words, "There is nothing better than working at a profession that you enjoy," as if oblivious to the collective moans that filled ballparks throughout America with his presence.
In addition, he expressed the desire to spend more time with his family, a decision that is probably supported by others outside of the Hernández home.
Undoubtedly, baseball enthusiasts worldwide will be toasting to Ángel Hernández's retirement with a glass of wine. Cheers to a brighter future for America's pastime and fewer dropped calls. Read more about
Baseball fans celebrate as one of the most despised
