Angel Hernandez, the MLB umpire known for his polarizing calls on the field, has reportedly retired after a career that spanned three decades. The news was first announced by Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports, citing a high-ranking baseball official speaking anonymously.
Hernandez’s last game as an umpire was on May 9th during a match between the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Guardians. Following this game, the league and Hernandez entered into negotiations for a financial settlement, which was finalized over the weekend.
In a statement released via MLB and shared on social media by The Athletic’s Sam Blum, Hernandez expressed his decision to retire in order to spend more time with his family. The 62-year-old Cuban native has been a controversial figure in the game, often drawing ire and frustration from fans, players, and managers alike due to his calls on the field.
Hernandez’s retirement marks the end of an era for a figure who has been a staple in MLB for many years. It will be interesting to see how his absence will impact the game moving forward.
