Why Ángel Hernández is the worst rated MLB Umpire
Why Ángel Hernández is the worst rated MLB Umpire
By Oliver Wiener April 05, 2024 19:13
Ángel Hernández, an umpire with a long history in Major League Baseball (MLB), has garnered a reputation as one of the worst umpires in the league due to a series of controversial and questionable calls.
His track record has led to widespread criticism from fans, players, and analysts, prompting a closer look at the reasons behind his poor ratings and the impact of his decisions on the game.
Hernández's Umpiring Performance
Hernández's umpiring accuracy has been a subject of scrutiny, with various studies and analyses shedding light on his performance.
In 2016, a lawsuit against MLB revealed that Hernández's accuracy behind the plate was rated at 96.88% in 2016, an improvement from 92.19% in 2002.
Although, during the 2016-2018 seasons, his calls at first base were overturned in 78% of cases, exceeding the average overturn rate for all umpires.
A 2019 study by Boston University highlighted that Hernández averaged 19 incorrect calls per game, which was significantly higher than his peers, although he managed to escape the bottom 10 MLB list.
Hernández's performance has been a cause for concern, with instances of missed calls and controversial decisions attracting heavy criticism.
During a game in 2022, he missed 19 calls, resulting in a correct percentage of 85.3%, as reported by Umpire Auditor.
Such instances have led to public outcries, with players and fans expressing their dissatisfaction with his decisions.
Notable Incidents and Criticisms
Throughout his career, Hernández has been involved in several high-profile incidents that have further contributed to his negative reputation.
His handling of calls, particularly during crucial moments in games, has sparked widespread backlash.
For instance, during a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers, Hernández made a series of questionable calls, including incorrectly calling a strike on a full count, leading to a player's ejection and subsequent fan outburst.
Hernández's actions and behavior on and off the field have also come under scrutiny.
He was removed as acting crew chief after being accused of eavesdropping on an MLB investigative call and was chastised for various offenses, including requesting autographed baseballs from a pitcher and displaying anger when his calls were overturned by replay.
Public Perception and Reactions
The public perception of Hernández as an umpire has significantly deteriorated over the years, with players, analysts, and fans openly expressing their discontent.
Various media outlets and sports personalities have labeled him as one of the worst umpires in MLB, highlighting his consistent poor performance and controversial decisions.
Players such as Tigers' Ian Kinsler and pitcher CC Sabathia have openly criticized Hernández's umpiring abilities, with the latter stating, "He’s always bad. He’s a bad umpire".
TBS analyst and Hall of Famer Pedro Martínez expressed his dismay, calling for MLB to take action against Hernández due to his poor performance.
Impact on the Game
Hernández's subpar umpiring has not only affected the integrity of the game but also raised concerns about the fairness and accuracy of officiating in MLB.
The high rate of overturned calls and public dissatisfaction with his decisions have led to calls for stricter oversight and accountability for umpires, including Hernández.
Furthermore, the negative attention surrounding Hernández's umpiring has overshadowed the game itself, drawing focus away from the players and the competition.
The controversies and criticisms directed at Hernández have become an ongoing narrative within the baseball community, impacting the overall perception of MLB officiating.
The impact of his decisions on the game and the public perception of MLB officiating has prompted calls for increased scrutiny and accountability for umpires, including Hernández.
In light of these concerns, it is essential for MLB to address the issues surrounding umpiring quality and ensure that the integrity and fairness of the game are upheld.
Hernández's case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards in officiating and the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement within the realm of MLB umpiring.
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