After more than 30 years in Major League Baseball (MLB), Cuban umpire Ángel Hernández has announced his immediate retirement, leaving behind a legacy filled with controversial decisions and two lost lawsuits against the world’s premier baseball organization. Major League Baseball released a statement on Monday from Hernández, confirming his departure. Both parties negotiated a financial agreement over two weeks before reaching a resolution in recent hours, according to USA Today.
“Starting with my first Major League game in 1991, I have had the incredible experience of making my childhood dream of being an umpire in the Majors come true,” said the Havana-born umpire in the statement.
“There’s nothing better than working in a profession you truly enjoy. I cherish the camaraderie of my colleagues and the friendships I made along the way, including the clubhouse managers in all the cities I visited,” he continued.
Despite everything, Hernández stated that “I have decided to spend more time with my family” and expressed pride in having worked for such a long time in the MLB system.
Ángel Hernández's Career Highlights
His resume includes working three All-Star Games (1999, 2009, and 2017), 12 Divisional Series, eight Championship Series, and two World Series (2002 and 2005). Before reaching the Major Leagues, he officiated in the Florida State League, Carolina League, Southern League, the American Association, and the Inter-American League in Venezuela.
Residing in Florida, he was one of the two MLB umpires assigned to the exhibition game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cuban national team, held at Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana in 2016.
At 62, he worked his last game on May 9th, in the Chicago White Sox's 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians at Guaranteed Rate Field. He had not officiated a World Series since 2005.
Hernández, often labeled as the most controversial umpire in baseball, filed a discrimination lawsuit in 2017 against MLB, alleging that he was overlooked for a crew chief position and World Series assignments due to his race. The case was dismissed by the U.S. District Court in 2021, granting MLB a summary judgment. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld the decision last year.
FAQs About Ángel Hernández's Retirement
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the retirement of Ángel Hernández, his career, and his legal battles with MLB.
Why did Ángel Hernández retire from MLB?
Ángel Hernández retired to spend more time with his family and expressed pride in his long career with MLB.
What were some of Ángel Hernández's career highlights?
He worked in three All-Star Games, 12 Divisional Series, eight Championship Series, and two World Series. He also officiated in various minor leagues before joining MLB.
What were the outcomes of Ángel Hernández's lawsuits against MLB?
His discrimination lawsuit against MLB was dismissed in 2021, and the decision was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 2022.