Angel Hernandez is a Major League Baseball (MLB) umpire known for an extensive career beginning in 1991. He began his stint in the National League until 1999, and has worked throughout both leagues since 2000.
But he is equally known for many controversies involving calls on the field. Those incidents have been rather frequent. And they are mounting. Baseball insider Ken Rosenthal indicates that the league simply has to do something about Hernandez.
“There has to be a line, right? There has to be a line where you tell the umpires enough is enough,” says Rosenthal in a recent interview. “We cannot stand this anymore.”
Let’s take a look at some of Angel Hernandez’ worst calls.
What In The World?
THREE IN A ROW ANGEL??? pic.twitter.com/B2ZVhellGR
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 13, 2024
We don’t even have to dig very far in the past to kick off this list. During the Texas Rangers’ series opener against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park last week, Hernandez left Rangers play-by-play announcer Dave Raymond absolutely beside himself.
Astros starting pitcher J.P. France tossed three straight pitches well off the plate, each seemingly further outside than the last. And yet, Hernandez called all three strikes, punching out Rangers hitter Wyatt Langford.
“You have got to be kidding me,” Raymond exclaimed. “What in the world?”
Taking A Break?
In a game between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves just before the 1998 All-Star break, Hernandez was involved in some controversy.
The problem arose in the 11th inning when Braves baserunner Michael Tucker tagged up on a fly ball to left field. Hernandez ruled Tucker safe. But replays showed the throw to Mets catcher Mike Piazza arrived before Tucker. Additionally, Tucker did not touch home plate.
Mets players were livid. Piazza suggested it was the worst call he’d ever seen while others openly wondered if Hernandez was trying to get off the field so the All-Star break could commence.
Another Blown Call
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
Angel Hernandez was the umpire at first base when he made one of the worst late-game calls in a contest between the Chicago White Sox and the Miami Marlins in 2013.
The game was knotted 3-3 in the 10th inning and the Sox had the bases loaded. The Marlins attempted to turn a grounder to short into a double play. They failed. The throw to first was late.
Except, not in Hernandez’s eyes. He called the Sox runner out. And the game announcer repeatedly shouted, “No.”
“And another blown call by Hernandez,” he shouts, an indication it wasn’t the first mistake by the veteran umpire during that contest.
No Home Run
In 2013, Angel Hernandez watched a ball sail over the fence and hit a railing above in a game between Oakland and the Cleveland Indians. A’s hitter Adam Rosales had hit the ball.
It was a game-tying home run. Except it wasn’t. The umpires ruled it was a double. A fair ball. And the Indians would end up getting out of the jam and winning.
Hernandez and his crew had the benefit of replay, and still refused to call it a home run. Following a video review by the league, however, officials had to admit that an “improper call” had been made.
The league ruled it was a final call and Oakland was out of luck.
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Called Out By Mongo
During a 2001 game between the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies, Hernandez called the Cubs Ron Coomer out at home plate on a play in the 6th inning. Fans in the ‘Windy City’ were not pleased.
Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael was in the booth to do the traditional singing of Take Me Out to the Ball Game during the 7th-inning stretch.
McMichael, known as “Mongo”, grabbed the mic and told fans he would “have some speaks” with Hernandez.
The umpire was visibly upset at being called out, and cameras showed him glaring in McMichael’s direction and muttering “Son of a bitch.”
Overruled
Hernández was the first-base umpire for Game 3 of the 2018 American League Division Series between the Yankees and Red Sox.
He would have an impressive night. Angel Hernandez’ worst calls were plentiful. In fact, three out of four plays that he called at first base were overturned following a video review.
That’s not a very good percentage.
Hall of Famer pitch Pedro Martínez, who was an analyst at the time, ripped the umpire after the game: “Angel was horrible. Don’t get me going on Angel now. Major League Baseball needs to do something about Angel. It doesn’t matter how many times he sues Major League Baseball. He’s as bad as there is.”
