In a move that will likely bring fewer arguments from dugouts and fewer memes on Twitter, Major League Baseball (MLB) umpire Ángel Hernández has decided to retire. His departure, significantly influenced by social media backlash, marks the end of a polarizing career that will be remembered for both its longevity and its propensity for controversy.

Ángel Hernández, who began his MLB umpiring career in 1991, had garnered quite the reputation—not necessarily the good kind. Often cited as one of baseball's least competent umpires, Hernández became a lightning rod for criticism. ESPN's Jeff Passan opined that social media was instrumental in magnifying Hernández's mistakes, and let's be honest, there were enough of those to fill an encyclopedia.

In his retirement announcement, Hernández cited a desire to spend more time with his family. Whether that's a euphemism for "I can't take another Twitter roasting" or a genuine desire to attend family picnics, barbecue tongs in hand, is up for interpretation. Either way, his exit has the air of a strategic retreat, encouraged not so subtly by MLB, which approached him earlier this year with a financial settlement proposal.

One can't ignore the broader context of Hernández's career. Having accused MLB of racial discrimination in a 2017 lawsuit, which he lost in 2021, Hernández had already been through the legal wringer. This, coupled with the league's evolving landscape—including the promotion and expansion of minorities—added layers of complexity to his umpiring days.

Despite the tumultuous last few years, it’s crucial to remember that Hernández was "really good" for over 90% of his career, as acknowledged by Jeff Passan. However, such endorsements struggled to compete with his more memorable lapses. His brashness and perceived lack of accountability led to a loss of respect among players. There's an irony in being good most of the time but making enough spectacular blunders to become infamous.

One might say Hernández’s career was akin to a baseball game itself: full of highs, lows, controversial calls, and endless replays. Only in this game, Twitter acted as the instant replay judge, ensuring every gaffe was immortalized in digital stone.

As he steps away from the field, Hernández can at least claim a legacy—albeit a mixed one. From legal battles to social media flak, from being "really good" to being not-so-good, he’s a figure who epitomizes the messy, often contradictory nature of public life. And now, as he runs home—presumably to a Twitter-free household—fans and critics alike can both breathe a sigh of relief and perhaps even, for a moment, remember the good calls he made. Just don't expect Twitter to trend those anytime soon.