After a long career, umpire Ángel Hernández announces retirement following unsuccessful racial discrimination lawsuit against MLB

Longtime MLB Umpire Ángel Hernández Retires Amidst Racial Discrimination Lawsuit

NEW YORK — After a career spanning over three decades, MLB umpire Ángel Hernández has announced his immediate retirement. The 62-year-old umpire, who was known for controversial calls and quick ejections, cited a desire to spend more time with his family as the reason for his decision.

Hernández, who filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against Major League Baseball in 2017, lost the case for a second time last summer when a federal appeals court upheld a previous decision in favor of MLB. The court ruled that Hernández failed to establish a statistically significant disparity in the promotion rates of white and minority umpires.

Despite the legal battle, Hernández expressed gratitude for his time in the league, stating, “There is nothing better than working at a profession that you enjoy. I treasured the camaraderie of my colleagues and the friendships I have made along the way.”

Reports from USA Today and ESPN suggest that Hernández reached a financial settlement with MLB to facilitate his departure. Born in Cuba, Hernández was hired as a big league umpire in 1993 and went on to work two World Series, three All-Star Games, and eight League Championship Series during his career.

While Hernández’s tenure was marked by controversy, he leaves behind a legacy as one of the longest-tenured umpires in MLB history. His retirement marks the end of an era in baseball officiating.