Ángel Hernández Retires: A Controversial Legacy in Major League Baseball

After 33 years of making calls on the diamond, Ángel Hernández, Major League Baseball’s most-despised umpire, has officially retired. While known for his affable nature and friendly demeanor, Hernández’s legacy will ultimately be defined by his numerous blown calls and controversial decisions that frustrated players, managers, and fans alike.

Hernández, despite being described as a “sweetheart” by some players, earned a reputation for his poor performance on the field. With clips of his blunders circulating on social media, baseball fans celebrated the news of his retirement, marking the end of an era marred by questionable calls and missed strikes.

Throughout his career, Hernández was no stranger to confrontation and ejections, with his final ejection coming in 2022 after a heated exchange with player Kyle Schwarber. Despite his warm personality, some players grew weary of his confrontational style of umpiring and frequent mistakes on the field.

A Cuban-born Latino umpire, Hernández was a rare presence in a predominantly white, English-speaking officiating world, providing Spanish-speaking players with a unique opportunity to communicate in their native language. Despite his efforts, Hernández faced discrimination claims against MLB, accusing the league of limiting his career advancement due to poor performance.

Ultimately, Hernández’s retirement marks the end of a polarizing career in which he was more of a punching bag than a respected official. While he genuinely loved his craft, his penchant for blunders and controversial calls left him as a target for criticism and ridicule throughout his time in the league. Now, after three decades of umpiring, Hernández steps away from the game he loved, leaving a legacy of mixed emotions and lasting controversy.