Longtime Major League Baseball umpire Angel Hernandez is set to retire after 34 seasons in the majors, according to USA Today. Hernandez, 62, has been a fixture in the MLB since 1991, starting as a National League umpire and transitioning to work throughout the majors in 2000.
Hernandez has gained notoriety for his controversial calls on the field, with some labeling him as one of the worst umpires in the league. Most recently, Hernandez faced criticism for making questionable calls during a game, including calling strikes on pitches that were clearly outside the strike zone.
Last year, Hernandez ranked last in correct-call rate at one point, and this season, he is currently ranked 67th out of 85 umpires by Umpire Scorecards. Former Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia has publicly criticized Hernandez, stating that he should not be umpiring postseason games.
The MLB has been exploring the possibility of implementing an automated balls and strikes system in the majors, a move that has been met with some support. Hernandez has also been involved in legal battles with the league, accusing them of discrimination against minority umpires.
Despite the controversies surrounding his career, Hernandez has umpired three All-Star Games, 12 ALDS, eight ALCS, and two World Series. His retirement marks the end of a long and eventful career in Major League Baseball.