When it comes to MLB’s least popular umpires, Angel Hernandez is often the first name fans and players mention. He’s among the worst-performing umpires behind that plate and controversial when working around the bases.
Every team knows they’re in for a long night when Hernandez’s name pops up on crew assignments. But this season has been different. Hernandez has quietly disappeared from MLB ballparks for the past six weeks. In fact, he hasn’t worked a game since April 3 — his only game this season — when he was stationed at first base for the Giants’ game against the White Sox.
It’s getting to the point where people are starting to notice his absence.
last saw Ángel work an MLB game on April 3 pic.twitter.com/0hDvzaTHlI
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) May 15, 2023
The Major League Baseball Umpires Association hadn’t commented about any sort of leave, suspension or retirement for Hernandez. He worked the World Baseball Classic. And despite filing a lawsuit against MLB for racial discrimination in 2017, Hernandez had continued to regularly work MLB games up until this past April. MLB blamed Hernandez’s lack of World Series assignments and crew promotions on his poor performance as an umpire.
But if Hernandez’s absence is performance based, the timing and lack of announcement would be curious. He worked once during the first week of the season and just wasn’t heard from again.
Update: Director of Major League Umpires Randy Marsh told For The Win that he believed Hernandez’s absence was due to a “medical matter.”
Fans also had thoughts on the lack of Hernandez so far this season. Many also wished him well.
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This was how Twitter reacted
???? What??? https://t.co/H5aLp0SYHH
— Joey Copponi (@JoeyCopponi) May 15, 2023
I kinda wondered if he was still even umpiring just because I have t heard or seen is name behind some horrendous calls(although other umpires are making up for it). Kinda weird that he’s just umped 1 game and decided to dip this season. https://t.co/bZWLEEAFEd
— Lambeau nation (@lambeau_nations) May 15, 2023
Seriously, I hope he is okay. https://t.co/xGza1a5QdK
— Rebecca (@BaseballReba) May 15, 2023
Somehow this is the first I've heard that the worst ump in baseball suddenly just…stopped? Truly a momentous occasion for baseball fans everywhere https://t.co/Q6t63HQnfM
— Ian Ga❌❌on (@Platypus9068) May 15, 2023
wait HE STOPPED UMPIRING???? 😳 https://t.co/fNDwbJVo68
— Raisa¹⁷ ⚾️🌸 (@hunniesho) May 15, 2023
we all like to get the jokes out during games, but in all seriousness i hope him & his family are okay https://t.co/Kj0SX1ylPH
— lex • fan acc (@bloopyszn) May 15, 2023
no Joe West or Angel Hernandez on my timeline is probably a good thing for baseball https://t.co/Wi7RFzYGOa
— BigMeech – Mitch Armstrong (@MitchAndNess) May 15, 2023
Uhh..Angel Hernandez is no longer umpiring?! https://t.co/a1DZTe9uKK
— Kristin (@kristinbroadway) May 15, 2023
It’s been a month since Angel Hernandez was last seen on a diamond. I’m not necessarily complaining, but just wondering. pic.twitter.com/b25Y7lxDww
— Digit10 (@Digit__10) May 6, 2023
