Veteran umpire Angel Hernandez is officially retiring.
Hernandez confirmed the news himself on Monday night after reports emerged that the 62-year-old umpire was on the verge of retirement. Hernandez released a statement expressing gratitude for his time as an MLB umpire.
“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. There is nothing better than working at a profession that you enjoy. … I have decided that I want to spend more time with my family,” wrote Hernandez.
Angel Hernandez confirming his retirement as a MLB umpire:
"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. There is nothing better than working at a profession that you…— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) May 28, 2024
MLB and Hernandez spent the last few weeks “negotiating a financial settlement” before coming to an agreement over the weekend, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
Hernandez last served as home plate umpire for a May 9 contest between the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Ill. After the White Sox’ 3-2 victory, Hernandez left the crew and was replaced by second-year umpire Jacob Metz.
Hernandez has become one of the most high-profile umpires in the majors primarily for the wrong reasons. Hernandez has been known by fans and players alike for making some of the worst calls that have often gone completely viral on social media.
Hernandez appeared to be in even worse form this season, highlighted by one brutal sequence of calls during a Texas Rangers-Houston Astros game last month.
Hernandez has been an MLB umpire since 1991 and has worked 3,840 games, according to Baseball Almanac. He worked just 46 games last season due to a medical issue.
