Major League Baseball (MLB) has launched an investigation into umpire Pat Hoberg after a potential violation of its policies on sports gambling. Hoberg, 37, who began umpiring big league games in 2014 and became a full-time staffer in 2017, has appealed the penalty imposed on him by the commissioner’s office. Although the nature of the violation and the extent of the punishment have not been disclosed, MLB confirmed that no evidence was found of compromised or manipulated games worked by Hoberg during spring training this year.
Hoberg has officiated several postseason games, including the 2018 AL Wild Card Game, 2019 NL Division Series, 2020 NL Wild Card Series, 2020 NL Championship Series, 2021 NL Division Series, and 2022 AL Division Series. He also worked on replay duties during the 2021 World Series and umpired in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Before joining the big leagues, Hoberg gained experience in various minor leagues such as Pacific Coast League, Texas League, and Florida State League.
The appeal process details are not disclosed, and further comments will be made after it is concluded.
