Blue Jeans Retired: Angel Hernandez Calls It a Career

A Farewell to Blue: Umpire Angel Hernandez Announces Retirement

For baseball fans of a certain age, the name Angel Hernandez conjures up a mix of emotions. From the iconic blue jeans he wore early in his career to the countless controversial calls that followed him for decades, Hernandez’s presence behind the plate was undeniable. Now, after 33 years in Major League Baseball, Hernandez has finally called it a career. Let’s take a look back at his impact on the game, the good, the bad, and the blue.

The news of Hernandez’s retirement came on a Monday night, and as expected, reactions were varied. Some fans, particularly those on the receiving end of his questionable calls, celebrated his departure. Others, especially those who appreciated his longevity and hustle, expressed well wishes. Even Major League Baseball acknowledged Hernandez’s contributions to the game in a statement, highlighting his passion and dedication.

Behind the Plate: A Look Back at Hernandez’s Career

Born in Cuba, Angel Hernandez’s journey to becoming a major league umpire began in the minor leagues in 1986. He quickly rose through the ranks, making his MLB debut in 1991. Over the next three decades, Hernandez established himself as a fixture on the field, working multiple World Series and All-Star Games.

However, Hernandez’s career was also marked by controversy. His reputation for questionable strike zones and quick ejections of players and managers grew steadily. In 2021, he even filed a lawsuit against MLB alleging racial discrimination, a claim that was ultimately dismissed.

Strike Three? Examining Hernandez’s Most Notorious Calls

Angel Hernandez’s name is practically synonymous with blown calls. From missed strike threes a foot outside the zone to questionable outs on bang-bang plays, Hernandez’s calls seemed to generate debate on a regular basis.

One particularly infamous incident occurred in 2010, when a called strike against Detroit Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera sparked a near-brawl on the field. Another instance involved a controversial call against Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees in the 2009 playoffs. These are just a few examples of the many calls that left players, fans, and analysts scratching their heads.

From the Other Side: The Impact on Players and Fans

The impact of Angel Hernandez’s calls went far beyond sparking arguments at the ballpark. For players, a blown call could mean a crucial strikeout or a game-changing out. This frustration often boiled over into heated confrontations with Hernandez, leading to ejections and suspensions. For fans, questionable calls could take the joy out of watching a close game, leaving them feeling cheated or frustrated.

Was He All Bad? Recognizing Hernandez’s Contributions

Despite the controversies, it’s important to acknowledge that Angel Hernandez wasn’t all bad. His longevity in the game is a testament to his dedication and hard work. He also played a role in promoting diversity in the umpiring ranks, paving the way for future generations of Latino umpires.

Blue Jeans No More: The Future of Umpiring in MLB

With Angel Hernandez’s retirement, a significant chapter in MLB umpiring comes to a close. Looking ahead, the league is likely to continue exploring ways to improve the accuracy of calls. This could involve increased use of instant replay technology or even the implementation of robotic umpires.

Taking It to the Table: A Look at Umpire Stats

Here’s a table comparing Angel Hernandez’s performance to the average MLB umpire: