Angel Hernandez is one of the most controversial umpires in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has been working as an umpire since 1991 and has been involved in many disputes and lawsuits with players, managers, and the league itself. In this article, we will explore his salary, net worth, age, and personal life in 2023.
Salary and Net Worth
MLB umpires start at $120,000 per year and can earn up to $350,000 depending on their experience and performance. They also receive benefits, travel expenses, and daily per diem. Angel Hernandez has been an umpire for more than three decades, so he is likely to make no less than $0.5 million per year.
As of 2023, his estimated net worth is $1.5 million. This is based on his salary, contract, and other assets. However, his net worth may be affected by the outcome of his ongoing lawsuit against MLB, which he filed in 2017.
Lawsuit Against MLB
Hernandez sued MLB for racial discrimination, alleging that he was overlooked for World Series games and crew chief promotions because of his Cuban nationality. He claimed that MLB had a “history of racial animus” and that he was subjected to “abusive evaluations” and “retaliatory assignments” by the league officials.
He also accused Joe Torre, the chief baseball officer of MLB, of having a personal vendetta against him since Torre was the manager of the New York Yankees in 2001. That year, Hernandez ejected Torre from a game after a disputed call at first base.
Hernandez sought unspecified damages and a permanent injunction that would prevent MLB from discriminating against him or any other minority umpires. He also requested a jury trial.
The lawsuit is still pending as of 2023. MLB has denied the allegations and filed a motion to dismiss the case in 2018. However, a federal judge denied the motion in 2019 and allowed the case to proceed. The trial date has not been set yet.
Age and Career
Angel Hernandez was born on August 26, 1961, in Havana, Cuba. He is 62 years old as of 2023. He left Cuba with his family when he was 15 years old and settled in Florida.
He began his umpiring career in 1985 in the Florida State League. He then worked in the Southern League and the American Association before joining the National League in 1991. He became a full-time umpire in 1993.
He has umpired in two World Series (2002 and 2005), three All-Star Games (1999, 2009, and 2017), seven League Championship Series (2000-04, 2007, 2010, and 2016), and 11 League Division Series (1997-98, 2002-05, 2009-12, 2015-18). He also served as an injury fill-in for Game 7 of the 2008 ALCS.
In 2020, he was made an interim crew chief after a dozen umpires opted out of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Personal Life
Angel Hernandez is married to Mireya Hernandez. They have two daughters: Jennifer Marie and Melissa Amanda. The family lives in Loxahatchee, Florida.
Hernandez is known for being outspoken and confrontational on the field. He has been criticized by many players, managers, and fans for his inconsistent strike zone and questionable calls. He has also been involved in several ejections and altercations with players and managers over the years.
Some of his most notable incidents include:
- In 1998, he ejected three Atlanta Braves players (Andruw Jones, Gerald Williams, and Bobby Cox) in one game after they argued with him over balls and strikes.
- In 2001, he ejected Joe Torre and two other Yankees (Mike Mussina and Don Zimmer) after a close play at first base that went against them.
- In 2013, he made a wrong call on a home run by Oakland Athletics’ Adam Rosales that was clearly shown to be over the fence by video replay. He refused to overturn his call after reviewing the replay himself.
- In 2017, he ejected Ian Kinsler of the Detroit Tigers after he questioned his strike zone. Kinsler later said that Hernandez was “messing” with games and should find another job.
- In 2018, he ejected CC Sabathia of the Yankees after he hit a batter with a pitch. Sabathia said that Hernandez was “terrible” and “shouldn’t be anywhere near a playoff game”.
- In 2019, he ejected Brett Gardner of the Yankees after he banged his bat on the dugout roof. Gardner said that Hernandez was “just trying to get attention” and “likes to hear himself talk”.
Conclusion
Angel Hernandez is one of the most experienced and controversial umpires in MLB. He has a high salary and a decent net worth, but he also faces a lawsuit from MLB for racial discrimination. He is married and has two daughters, but he also has many enemies and critics in the baseball world. He is a polarizing figure who elicits strong reactions from players, managers, and fans alike.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
- Q: How much does Angel Hernandez make per game?
- A: According to some sources, MLB umpires make between $500 and $1,000 per game, depending on their seniority and performance.
- Q: How old is Angel Hernandez?
- A: Angel Hernandez is 62 years old as of 2023. He was born on August 26, 1961, in Havana, Cuba.
- Q: Who is Angel Hernandez’s partner?
- A: Angel Hernandez’s partner is Mireya Hernandez. They are married and have two daughters: Jennifer Marie and Melissa Amanda.
- Q: What is Angel Hernandez’s net worth?
- A: As of 2023, Angel Hernandez’s estimated net worth is $1.5 million. This is based on his salary, contract, and other assets.
- Q: How long has Angel Hernandez been an umpire?
- A: Angel Hernandez has been an umpire since 1991. He worked in the National League from 1991 to 1999, and throughout MLB since 2000.
- Q: How many World Series has Angel Hernandez umpired?
- A: Angel Hernandez has umpired in two World Series: 2002 and 2005.
- Q: Why is Angel Hernandez suing MLB?
- A: Angel Hernandez is suing MLB for racial discrimination, alleging that he was overlooked for World Series games and crew chief promotions because of his Cuban nationality. He also accused Joe Torre, the chief baseball officer of MLB, of having a personal vendetta against him since 2001.
- Q: What is the status of Angel Hernandez’s lawsuit?
- A: The lawsuit is still pending as of 2023. MLB has denied the allegations and filed a motion to dismiss the case in 2018. However, a federal judge denied the motion in 2019 and allowed the case to proceed. The trial date has not been set yet.
- Q: Where does Angel Hernandez live?
- A: Angel Hernandez lives in Loxahatchee, Florida.
- Q: What are some of the worst calls made by Angel Hernandez?
- A: Some of the worst calls made by Angel Hernandez include:
- In 1998, he ejected three Atlanta Braves players (Andruw Jones, Gerald Williams, and Bobby Cox) in one game after they argued with him over balls and strikes.
- In 2001, he ejected Joe Torre and two other Yankees (Mike Mussina and Don Zimmer) after a close play at first base that went against them.
- In 2013, he made a wrong call on a home run by Oakland Athletics’ Adam Rosales that was clearly shown to be over the fence by video replay. He refused to overturn his call after reviewing the replay himself.
- In 2017, he ejected Ian Kinsler of the Detroit Tigers after he questioned his strike zone. Kinsler later said that Hernandez was “messing” with games and should find another job.
- In 2018, he ejected CC Sabathia of the Yankees after he hit a batter with a pitch. Sabathia said that Hernandez was “terrible” and “shouldn’t be anywhere near a playoff game”.
- In 2019, he ejected Brett Gardner of the Yankees after he banged his bat on the dugout roof. Gardner said that Hernandez was “just trying to get attention” and “likes to hear himself talk”.