Angel Hernandez, baseball’s most controversial umpire, is retiring after being criticized for decades. MLB approached Hernandez about retiring earlier this season due to the increasing criticism. Hernandez agreed to move on and hasn’t umped a game since May 9 as a financial agreement was worked out.
According to Hernandez’s lawyer, Kevin Murphy, he was not forced out and his retirement is expected to happen immediately. Hernandez started umpiring MLB games in 1991 and has been a constant source of controversy over the last decade.
After USA Today first reported his retirement, MLB released a statement from Hernandez confirming his retirement. In the statement, Hernandez mentioned that he wants to spend more time with his family and praised the positive changes in baseball regarding the expansion and promotion of minorities.
It is unclear what led to Hernandez’s decision, but the criticism he faced may have played a role. Players and even MLB have been critical of Hernandez, with many calling for him to leave the industry.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred hinted at the retirement process for umpires at a recent event, addressing the physical demands of the job and the consideration for when umpires should retire.
Required reading
(Photo: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images)