How MLB finally ended its Angel Hernandez problem

MLB

By Justin Tasch

MLB had apparently seen enough, and Angel Hernandez was seemingly willing to walk away for the right price.

The 62-year-old and MLB worked out a financial settlement that resulted in the controversial umpire walking away from the league after more than 30 years, according to multiple reports.

MLB approached Hernandez earlier this season about potentially retiring, according to The Athletic, and USA Today reported the two sides spent the last two weeks negotiating the settlement.

Hernandez’s lawyer, Kevin Murphy, told The Athletic in a text message, “He was NOT forced out.”

Hernandez, who last worked an MLB game on May 9, confirmed Monday night that he was retiring.

“Starting with my first Major League game in 1991, I have had the very good experience of living out my childhood dream of umpiring in the major leagues,” Hernandez said in a statement. “There is nothing better than working at a profession that you enjoy. I treasured the camaraderie of my colleagues and the friendships I have made along the way, including our locker room attendants in all the various cities.

“I have decided that I want to spend more time with my family. Needless to say, there have been many positive changes in the game of baseball since I first entered the profession. This includes the expansion and promotion of minorities. I am proud that I was able to be an active participant in that goal while being a Major League umpire.”

Hernandez has been the subject of criticism by players and fans for bad calls, with his strike zone as a home-plate umpire often being the source of frustration.

He filed a lawsuit against MLB in 2017 in which he alleged he had not become a crew chief and did not receive World Series assignments because of his race.

He also alleged Joe Torre, who was working in baseball operations in the commissioner’s office, held animosity toward him dating back to his days as Yankees manager.

The lawsuit was tossed in 2021, and a federal appeals court denied Hernandez’s request to reinstate the case last year.