'Best' moments of Angel Hernandez's infamous MLB career
Our long national nightmare is over. On Monday, MLB umpire Angel Hernandez announced his retirement.
While his decision doesn't fix all of the world's problems, it's a start. Let's honor his error-filled career.
Best announcer reaction
Ken Harrelson: Marlins vs. White Sox, May 24, 2013
Hernandez's calls left several announces incredulous, but the most outstanding reaction came from White Sox broadcaster Ken Harrelson in 2013. Chicago had the bases loaded with one out when right fielder Alex Rios hit a ground ball that turned into a questionable double-play.
"Oh, no. No, no, no," yelled Harrelson after Hernandez called Rios out. "He is safe," bit Harrelson, who sounded as though he was about to jump out of his seat. "And another blown call by Hernandez," he added. Fortunately for the White Sox, Hernandez's miscue didn't influence the game's outcome. The White Sox won on a walk-off single the next inning.
Worst missed strike
Masahiro Tanaka: Yankees vs. Blue Jays, June 4, 2019
In a 4-3 loss to Toronto, New York starting pitcher Tanaka threw 85 pitches, including 57 for a strike. It should have been 58.
Tanaka's four-seam fastball landed in the middle of the zone for a clear strike that Hernandez inexplicably called a ball to even the count at 1-1. To make matters worse, Blue Jays outfielder Randal Grichuk blasted a home run on the next pitch.
Best player reaction
Kyle Schwarber: Brewers vs. Phillies, April 24, 2022
The Philadelphia left fielder was incensed following his ninth-inning strikeout on a pitch to the outside of the zone. The two-time All-Star flung his bat and helmet on the ground after the called strike-three on a full count. Schwarber was promptly ejected but got his money's worth with an animated exchange to express his displeasure.
Worst checked swing
Spencer Torkelson: Tigers vs. Mets, April 4, 2024
Firmly in the "quiet quitting" portion of his career, Hernandez began 2024 in midseason form when he called a strike on Tigers first baseman Torkelson, saying he swung when the barrel of the bat was nowhere near crossing the plate.
Worst missed ball
JP France: Rangers vs. Astros, April 12, 2024
In a career filled with missed calls on pitches out of the zone, Hernandez's masterpiece came earlier this season when he issued three consecutive strikes during an at-bat by Rangers rookie designated hitter Wyatt Langford on pitches from Astros starter JP France that were well off the plate. Umpire Scorecards noted the comedy of errors was his most impactful missed calls of the game in terms of largest changes in run expectancy.
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