It’s safe to say the retired ump won’t be missed by a wide swath of baseball fans and players.
Much-maligned umpire Ángel Hernández is retiring from Major League Baseball.
News of the controversial umpire’s retirement was met with almost universal glee from baseball fans who were tired of Hernández’s repeated missed calls (Hernandez worked only 10 games during the 2023 season because of a back injury, but he missed 161 calls, according to Umpire Auditor. That’s bad!).
As Hernández escapes further scorn from fans, players, managers and TV analysts alike, here’s a look at some of the most memorable infamous moments of Hernández’s career as a major league umpire:Kyle Schwarber goes off
Game: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Milwaukee Brewers on April 24, 2022.
What happened? Schwarber had had enough, and his frustrations boiled over after a ninth-inning strikeout. Schwarber threw down his bat and helmet, then proceeded to gesticulate wildly at home plate in front of Hernández.Steve McMichael calls out Hernández
Game: Cubs vs. Colorado Rockies on Aug. 7, 2001.
What happened? Hernández made some questionable calls that went against the home team, and former Bears player Steve McMichael — the guest singer for “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch at Wrigley Field — had some choice words for the umpire, who responded with a death stare up at the press box where the man nicknamed “Mongo” was standing.Hawk Harrelson loses his mind
Game: Miami Marlins vs. White Sox on May 24, 2013.
What happened? The White Sox had the bases loaded with one out in the bottom of the 10th inning when Alex Rios hit a soft ground ball that would plate the winning run — unless the Marlins could turn an improbable double play.
