After a distinguished career spanning over three decades officiating Major League Baseball games, umpire Angel Hernandez has decided to hang up his uniform and retire.
Why is Angel Hernandez a controversial umpire?
In a statement released by MLB to the media on Monday night, Hernandez confirmed his retirement and reflected on his journey:
“Since my inaugural Major League game back in 1991, I’ve been fortunate to realize my childhood dream of umpiring at the highest level of baseball,” Hernandez expressed in the statement. “There’s truly nothing quite like being immersed in a profession that brings you joy. I cherished the camaraderie among my fellow umpires and the enduring friendships I cultivated, extending even to the unsung heroes of the sport, our locker room attendants across various cities.”
He continued, stating, “My decision to retire stems from a desire to dedicate more time to my family, a priority that has grown increasingly important to me.”
Acknowledging the evolution of baseball since his early days, Hernandez highlighted the positive strides made in diversity and inclusion within the sport. “I take pride in contributing to the expansion and elevation of minority representation in baseball. It’s been an honor to play a role in fostering diversity while donning the uniform of a Major League umpire.”
Hernandez embarked on his umpiring journey in 1991, initially serving as a call-up umpire before officially joining the Major League staff in 1993. Throughout his illustrious tenure, he officiated three All-Star Games (1999, 2009, and 2017), 12 Division Series, eight Championship Series, and two World Series (2002 and 2005). Prior to ascending to the Major Leagues, Hernandez honed his craft in various minor leagues, including the Florida State League, Carolina League, Southern League, American Association, and Inter-Alliance in Venezuela.
A native of Havana, Cuba, Hernandez currently resides in Florida, where he has made his home. Notably, he was selected as one of two MLB umpires for the historic 2016 exhibition game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cuban National Team in Havana. Alongside fellow umpire Laz Diaz, Hernandez collaborated with four Cuban umpires to officiate the landmark event, symbolizing a convergence of baseball cultures.