How MLB finally ended the umpire’s reign

MLB

by Justin Tash

MLB seemed to have seen enough, and Angel Hernandez appeared to be willing to go for the right price.

The 62-year-old and MLB have reached a financial settlement that has seen the controversial umpire withdraw from the league after more than 30 years, according to multiple reports.

MLB reached out to Hernandez earlier this season about possibly retiring, According to the athleteAnd USA Today reported The two sides spent the last two weeks negotiating the settlement.

“He was not forced to resign,” Hernandez’s attorney, Kevin Murphy, told The Athletic in a text message.

Hernandez, who last pitched in an MLB game on May 9, confirmed Monday night that he is retiring.

“Starting with my first MLB game in 1991, I have had a very good experience fulfilling my childhood dream of umpiring in the major leagues,” Hernandez said in a statement. “There’s nothing better than working in a career you enjoy. I’ve appreciated the camaraderie among my teammates and the friendships I’ve made along the way, including locker room attendees in all the different cities.

“I have decided that I want to spend more time with my family. Needless to say, there have been many positive changes in baseball since I first started the profession. This includes expanding and promoting minorities. I am proud that I have been able to be an active participant in this goal While I was a major league umpire.

Hernandez has been the subject of criticism by players and fans for bad calls, as his strike zone as a home plate umpire was often a source of frustration.

He filed a lawsuit against MLB in 2017 alleging he did not become a crew chief and did not receive World Series assignments because of his race.

He also claimed that Joe Torre, who worked in baseball operations for the commissioner’s office, harbored animosity toward him dating back to his days as manager of the Yankees.

The suit was dismissed in 2021, and a federal appeals court denied Hernandez’s request to remand the case last year.