One of the most polarizing figures in major league baseball of the last three decades, Angel HernandezHe recently revealed his decision to retire. Hernandez spent the last three decades as an MLB umpire, causing some consternation among players along the way.
Fans have also pointed out to Hernández over the years, and the news of his sudden retirement sparked a variety of reactions.
Former MLB player and manager Bobby Valentine joined OutKick's “Hot Mic” show to discuss Hernandez's decision to leave the game.
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May 19, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston Red manager Bobby Valentine before playing against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. (Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports)
Some argued that Hernández's calls during MLB games frequently lacked consistency.
“I got by a while ago and there wasn't really a grading system. It seemed like there were times when Angel was having one of those days, sometimes he was perfect I thought during a game, but of course we should have been winning those games “Valentine responded when asked if he thought the criticism Hernández received was fair.
FORMER MLB REFEREE ÁNGEL HERNÁNDEZ ACCEPTED FINANCIAL AGREEMENT TO RETIRE: REPORTS
“Angel was thoroughly vetted, but I had the opportunity to hang out with four Italian referees… all of whom were on the same team… when they were here in Los Angeles about a month ago, and I asked them that. 'Hey, did you?' what about Angel? Do the guys get a lot of flack for Angel's situation? They went on to say that Angel is one of those really good guys, the guy who would pay the bill, the guy who would donate to the charity that was needed, the guy. that he would strive to do good things. So the spotlight that has been on him is probably unfair, as are all the spotlights that are focused on people because they become fashionable, so to speak.”
“That said, Angel sure had a bad day or two,” Valentine admitted.
May 12, 2001: Manager Bobby Valentine #2 of the New York Mets argues with umpire Angel Hernandez over a questionable call during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Pac Bell Park in San Francisco, California. (Jeff Gross/All Sports)
Hernández last worked as a major league umpire on May 9 during a game between the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians. She filed a lawsuit against MLB in 2017, but it was ultimately dismissed by a district court judge.
Home plate umpire Ángel Hernández works a game between the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium on August 6, 2023 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Astros defeated the Yankees 9-7. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
“Starting with my first Major League game in 1991, I have had the very good experience of living my childhood dream of umpiring in the Major Leagues,” he said in a statement announcing his retirement. “There is nothing better than working in a profession you enjoy. I treasure the camaraderie of my colleagues and the friendships I have made along the way, including our wardrobe assistants in every city.
“I have decided that I want to spend more time with my family. Needless to say, there have been many positive changes in the game of baseball since I entered the profession. This includes the expansion and promotion of minorities. I am proud that I was able to be an active participant in that goal while he was a Major League umpire.”
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Valentine finished his managerial career with 1,186 regular season wins. He also shared his thoughts on what it takes for a team to build a strong culture within the clubhouse and develop a winning formula.
“There's always the question…what comes first, the clubhouse culture or the team winning?” Valentine told “Hot Mic.”
“When the team wins, the guys at the end of the bench can't screw around because everything is going well and they'll sound like sour grapes. But when the team isn't winning, then it's really easy for the guys at the end of the bench.” They get screwed and once that happens, you have a bad culture in the clubhouse. “I think it's something that comes from the outcome of the game on the field.”
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