You're out: Reliving the highs and lows of Angel Hernandez
Most baseball fans can't hear "umpire" without thinking about Angel Hernandez - and that's certainly no coincidence.
Since umping his first game in 1991, Hernandez has become a household name thanks to a laundry list of controversies. He's drawn the ire of players and fans and even butted heads with MLB itself.
Hernandez's retirement, which he announced Tuesday morning, is the final chapter in a long, messy, and entertaining book. Let's flip through its most memorable pages.
'It's not an official game until Angel plays a big part in it'
During his umpiring career, Hernandez was often criticized for his inconsistent strike zone - especially during big moments. This call he made during the ninth inning of a Mets-Marlins game is one of many examples:
Angel Hernandez, a master of his craft. pic.twitter.com/AuGRsHcoqc
— SNY (@SNYtv) August 5, 2021
More recently, Hernandez rang up Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford on a pitch almost seven inches off the plate with the bases loaded.
** NEW UMPIRE AUDITOR RECORD **
— Umpire Auditor (@UmpireAuditor) April 13, 2024
Umpire Angel Hernandez rang up Wyatt Langford on three consecutive pitches out of the zone.
The strikeout pitch missed outside by 6.78 inches.
This was the largest miss on a called strikeout in Umpire Auditor history. pic.twitter.com/BWmizkDsmD
Langford called it "almost comical" after the game.
'NO! NO! NO!'
Hernandez didn't just make his presence felt behind the plate. Before video review's implementation and the current challenge system review, he made more than a few egregious calls at first base.
In honor of Angel Hernandez blowing every call at first base tonight, let’s take a look back at this beauty from 2013. pic.twitter.com/l9rJk7oQwD
— Sox On 35th (@SoxOn35th) October 9, 2018
'He shouldn't be anywhere near a playoff game'
Hernandez's tendency to insert himself into the game wore thin with many players. Former Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia famously made his displeasure known.
That time CC was brutally honest about Angel Hernandez 💀 pic.twitter.com/QoWkP8FyeM
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) May 28, 2024
While Sabathia chose to speak on Hernandez postgame, several players expressed their feelings on the field.
Exhibit A: Bryce Harper.
Angel Hernandez breakdowns, a thread
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 28, 2024
Bryce Harper goes off pic.twitter.com/K18Y2A2y9S
Exhibit B: Kyle Schwarber.
Kyle Schwarber is the voice of America pic.twitter.com/vAy0GQTB0I
— Welcome to the Ump Show (@umpjob) April 25, 2022
'One of the kindest men I've ever known'
The story of Hernandez is complicated, though. Through all the on-field controversies, his umpiring colleagues praised his character as both a determined professional and a loving family man.
Hernandez was also never opposed to signing autographs.
Nah they really got Angel Hernandez out here signing autographs 😭 😭 😭
— Whistle (@WhistleSports) August 25, 2021
(IG/batboysbaseball) pic.twitter.com/ilguLNjZ5n
The end of an era
There's no denying it: Hernandez has etched himself into baseball history. Whether it's for better or for worse remains up for debate.
Enjoy your retirement, Angel.