The Controversial Career of MLB Umpire Ángel Hernández: 10 Surprising Facts

Ángel Hernández was one of the first Cuban-born umpires in Major League Baseball, starting his career in 1991.

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Hernández made his debut on May 23, 1991, and quickly became known for his distinctive umpiring style.

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In 2017, Hernández sued MLB for racial discrimination, claiming he was overlooked for key positions and postseason games due to his heritage. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed.

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During a 2018 American League Division Series game, Hernández had three calls overturned by replay review within the first four innings, a record for a single game.

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Hernández had several high-profile confrontations with players, including an incident with Philadelphia's Kyle Schwarber, who was ejected after vehemently disputing a strike call.

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Even before the implementation of instant replay, Hernández faced criticism for his on-field decisions, including a notorious incident involving Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael at Wrigley Field.

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Hernández missed much of the 2023 season due to a back injury, which ultimately led to his decision to retire.

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Hernández's controversial calls made him a frequent trending topic on social media, where fans often voiced their frustration.

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MLB's umpire evaluation system is highly detailed, involving mid-season and end-of-season reviews, but remains opaque to the public.

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Hernández leaves behind a mixed legacy, seen by some as a trailblazer for minority umpires and by others as a symbol of the need for improvement in umpiring standards.

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