Controversial MLB umpire Ángel Hernández to retire immediately

Baseball's most controversial umpire is ending his career. Ángel Hernández, who has been criticized by many in the sport for decades, will retire.

MLB first approached Hernández about the possibility of retiring earlier this season, according to a baseball source. The criticism had grown louder and Hernández was willing to move on. He hasn't left a game since May 9, while the two sides reached a financial agreement.

“He was NOT forced out,” said Hernandez's attorney, Kevin Murphy. The Athletic via text message. His departure is expected to occur immediately.

Hernandez played his first MLB game in 1991. Over the past decade, he has been a constant source of controversy. From his wide and inconsistent strike zone, to his rapid ejections and his unsuccessful lawsuit against MLB for discrimination in 2017, he has created headlines in a profession where most prefer to go unnoticed.

USA Today announced his retirement for the first time. Shortly after the news broke Monday night, MLB issued a statement from Hernandez confirming his retirement.

“Starting with my first Major League game in 1991, I had the very good experience of living my childhood dream of playing in the Major Leagues,” the statement said. “There is nothing better than working in a profession you enjoy. I treasure the camaraderie of my colleagues and the friendships I have made along the way, including our wardrobe assistants in every city.

“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 entered the profession. This includes the expansion and promotion of minorities. “I am proud to have been able to be an active participant in that goal while I was a major league player.”

Beyond what Hernández referenced in his statement, it is unclear what led to Hernández's decision, although it is possible that the vitriol directed at him played a role.

“It hurts the most,” Murphy said. The Athletic In a recent profile, “it's the pain his two daughters and his wife go through when they know that (the criticism) is so incredibly undeserved.”

Part of the reason the league reached out to Hernandez was the constant distraction he caused. Players in the sport have long called for Hernandez to leave the industry.

“Every year. It's the same story,” Bryce Harper said last season. “Same thing.”

“He needs to find another job,” Ian Kinsler said in 2017.

“I don't understand why he makes these games,” CC Sabathia said in 2018.

Even Major League Baseball criticized Hernández, although that criticism largely came from court documents. They claimed his decision-making and conflict management prevented him from being promoted to a full-time team leader position.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred alluded to the umpire retirement process while speaking to reporters at the MLB owners' meetings last week, although he did not directly mention Hernandez.

“Referee management is… a physically demanding job,” Manfred said. “It goes beyond evaluation, training and discipline. It also applies to things like thinking about your career path: how long should you be there? And that means things like your retirement program.”

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(Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)