After more than three decades in Major League Baseball, umpire Ángel Hernández has announced his immediate retirement. The 62-year-old umpire, known for his polarizing calls and frequent ejections, cited a desire to spend more time with his family as the reason for his decision.
In a statement released through MLB, Hernández expressed gratitude for the opportunity to live out his childhood dream of umpiring in the major leagues since his debut in 1991. He highlighted the camaraderie with colleagues and the friendships he had forged throughout his career.
While acknowledging the challenges he faced, Hernández also noted the positive changes in baseball, particularly in the promotion and inclusion of minorities. Despite his contributions to this goal, Hernández faced setbacks in his legal battle against MLB for racial discrimination, with his case being dismissed by a federal appeals court last year.
Hernández's retirement comes after a season marred by a back injury that sidelined him until July 31. He officiated his final game on May 9 between the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox, concluding a career that included two World Series, three All-Star Games, and eight League Championship Series.
Reports suggest that Hernández reached a financial settlement with MLB to facilitate his departure, following negotiations over the past two weeks. Born in Cuba, Hernández was hired as a big league umpire in 1993 and leaves behind a legacy that includes both accolades and controversies.
Notably, Hernández's officiating came under scrutiny during the 2018 AL Division Series when three of his calls at first base were overturned on video replay reviews. Despite the challenges he faced, Hernández expressed pride in his contributions to the game and the progress made in promoting diversity within MLB.
