One of the most controversial figures in Major League Baseball over the past 30 years, Angel Hernandez, recently announced his decision to retire. Hernandez has been an MLB umpire for the past 30 years, embarrassing players along the way.
Fans have bashed Hernandez for years, but news of his sudden retirement sparked a variety of reactions this week. Former New York Yankees star CC Sabathia echoed Hernandez’s decision to retire. The six-time All-Star posted a GIF of the popular Looney Toons ending, “See you guys.”
He also quote-tweeted a 2018 video in which he expressed frustration with Hernandez after a playoff game.
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Home plate umpire Angel Hernandez officiates a game between the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York City, on August 6, 2023. The Astros defeated the Yankees, 9-7. (Jim MacIsaac/Getty Images)
“I don’t think Angel Hernandez should be officiating a playoff game. He’s terrible,” Sabathia said.
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In Game 3 of the 2018 American Division League series between the Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, a call on Hernandez was infamously overturned three times by replay.
The Red Sox ultimately defeated the Yankees in the American League Championship Series to win the 2018 World Series.
Former New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia smiles during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 17, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (New York Yankees/Getty Images)
“He’s just awful. He was terrible as a catcher today. He was terrible at first base,” Sabathia said in a video from 2018. “It’s amazing he’s even got a job umpiring a playoff game.”
Sabathia retired from baseball in 2019.
Hernandez’s last major league umpire was the Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Guardians game on May 9. He filed a lawsuit against MLB in 2017, but it was ultimately dismissed by a district court judge.
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“Since my first major league game in 1991, I’ve had the amazing experience of fulfilling a childhood dream of umpiring in the major leagues,” he said in a statement announcing his retirement. “There’s nothing better than having a profession that you love, and I’ve cherished the friendships I’ve made along the way, including with my coworkers and locker room attendants in various cities.”
“I decided I wanted to spend more time with my family. Needless to say, there have been many positive changes in baseball since I took the job, including the expansion and advancement of minorities, and I am proud to be an active part of that goal as a major league umpire.”
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