Angel Hernandez: A Career Under The Microscope

When discussing Major League Baseball umpires, few names ignite as much passion and controversy as Angel Hernandez. Over a career that spanned more than three decades, Hernandez found himself at the center of numerous contentious calls and public scrutiny. But was he really as bad as people say he was, or has his reputation been unfairly tarnished? To understand this, we must delve into his career, his performance metrics, and the various opinions from players, managers, and analysts.

Angel began his MLB umpiring career on May 23, 1991, and retired in 2024. Born in Havana, Cuba, he made a significant impact by becoming one of the few Latino umpires in a predominantly white profession. His career included officiating in multiple Division Series, League Championship Series, and World Series games, demonstrating a level of competence and trust from MLB officials to handle high-stakes environments.

Hernandez’s career was marred by several high-profile incidents that questioned his judgment and consistency. One of the most notable was during a game between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves in 1998. In the 11th inning, Hernandez ruled Braves runner Michael Tucker safe at home plate, a decision that replays later showed to be incorrect. Mike Piazza, the Mets’ catcher, called it the worst call he had ever seen​ (Wikipedia)​.

via Dallas Morning News

Another significant blunder occurred in 2013 during a game between the Oakland Athletics and the Cleveland Indians. A long hit by the Athletics' Adam Rosales was ruled a double following a video review, despite clear evidence that it was a home run. This mistake led to widespread criticism and highlighted issues with both Hernandez's judgment and the MLB replay system at the time​ (Sportsnet.ca)​.

When it comes to the technical aspects of umpiring, such as calling balls and strikes, Hernandez's performance has been objectively analyzed and often found lacking. Metrics from sources like Umpire Auditor consistently placed Hernandez among the lower tier of MLB umpires in terms of accuracy. His strike zone was frequently criticized for being inconsistent, a critical flaw for maintaining the flow and fairness of the game.

Furthermore, Hernandez had a high number of ejections during his career, often for disputing calls or perceived disrespect from players and managers. This confrontational style did little to endear him to those on the field, contributing to his contentious reputation​ (Baseball Almanac)​.

In 2017, Hernandez filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against MLB, alleging that he was denied promotions and high-profile assignments due to his Latino heritage. The lawsuit claimed that MLB’s umpiring camps and workshops systematically favored non-Latino, white applicants. This legal battle brought significant attention to Hernandez and raised questions about potential systemic issues within MLB’s umpiring ranks​ (The Hake)​.

The opinions of players and managers offer a mixed but largely critical view of Hernandez’s abilities as an umpire. Detroit Tigers' second baseman Ian Kinsler famously stated in 2017 that Hernandez "needs to find another job," reflecting a widespread sentiment among players frustrated with his performance​ (Wikipedia)​.

Managers, too, often found themselves at odds with Hernandez. Bob Melvin, the Oakland Athletics manager, was ejected by Hernandez in the 2013 game following the controversial replay review. These frequent confrontations and public criticisms from those directly affected by his calls paint a picture of an umpire whose decisions often disrupted the game.

via MLB

The media played a significant role in shaping Hernandez’s public image. Sports commentators and analysts frequently highlighted his mistakes, sometimes exaggerating his faults while downplaying the pressures and complexities of the job. This media scrutiny contributed to a snowball effect, amplifying every error and solidifying his reputation as one of the most controversial figures in MLB umpiring.

However, it is essential to consider the challenges umpires face. Every call is made in real-time, often under immense pressure, and with limited information. While replay systems have improved, they still can’t eliminate the human element of the game. Hernandez’s errors, though notable, must be viewed within this broader context of the difficulties inherent in umpiring at the highest level.

Despite the controversies, Hernandez’s career is also a testament to resilience and breaking barriers. As one of the few Latino umpires in MLB history, he paved the way for greater diversity within the profession. His lawsuit against MLB, regardless of its outcome, shone a light on potential discrimination and may have contributed to ongoing discussions about fairness and inclusivity in sports officiating​ (The Hake)​.

So, was Angel Hernandez really as bad of an umpire as people say he was? The evidence suggests that while his performance had significant flaws, the extent of his infamy might be somewhat exaggerated. His career was undoubtedly filled with high-profile mistakes and controversies, leading to substantial criticism from players, managers, and the media. However, his long tenure, participation in crucial games, and the additional scrutiny he faced as a Latino umpire also played a role in shaping his contentious legacy.

In the end, Angel Hernandez's story is a complex blend of professional shortcomings and personal perseverance. His career serves as a reminder of the challenges umpires face and the critical importance of fairness and accuracy in maintaining the integrity of the sport.