Angel Hernandez - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Angel Hernandez is a Major League Baseball umpire who has been officiating games since 1993. He was born on August 26, 1961 in Havana, Cuba.
- 2. Hernandez's umpiring career has been marked by controversy and criticism, with many players, managers, and fans questioning his judgment and consistency on the field.
- 3. In 2017, Hernandez filed a lawsuit against Major League Baseball, alleging racial discrimination and claiming that he had been passed over for postseason assignments because of his Cuban heritage. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed by a federal judge.
- 4. Hernandez has worked multiple postseason games, including the World Series, but his performance in those games has also been the subject of criticism and scrutiny.
- 5. Despite the controversy surrounding him, Hernandez has also received praise for his dedication to the game and his knowledge of the rules.
- 6. Hernandez is known for his distinctive strike call, which involves a dramatic arm extension and a loud vocalization of "strike!"
- 7. In addition to his work as an umpire, Hernandez is also a licensed real estate agent in Florida. He has used his offseasons to work in the real estate industry.
- 8. Hernandez has a reputation for being one of the more confrontational umpires in the league, often engaging in heated arguments with players and managers on the field.
- 9. Hernandez has been involved in several high-profile incidents during his career, including a confrontation with then-Red Sox manager Terry Francona in 2010 and a controversial call during a 2019 game between the Yankees and the Red Sox.
- 10. Despite the controversy and criticism, Hernandez remains one of the most experienced and recognizable umpires in Major League Baseball, with a long and storied career in the sport.