“He can’t possibly deem that a swing. It’s just unbelievable.”
Baseball is back in action, and while some players are still finding their rhythm, umpire Ángel Hernández seems to be in midseason form.
During a recent game, Hernández made yet another one of his notoriously bad calls that he’s become known for. Detroit Tigers broadcasters Jason Benetti and Craig Monroe couldn’t conceal their astonishment during their Bally Sports Detroit broadcast.
In the top of the 11th inning, New York Mets reliever Michael Tonkin threw a pitch up and inside to Tigers slugger Spencer Torkelson, who clearly checked his swing as he pulled back. Torkelson immediately gestured to his hand, indicating he’d been hit by the pitch. However, Hernández, the home plate umpire, ruled it a foul ball.
The Tigers promptly challenged the call. Shortly after, Hernández clarified that he had actually ruled Torkelson swung at the pitch, despite clear evidence to the contrary. Additionally, Hernández gave the palm-to-palm signal typically used to signify a foul tip.
“He did his hands palm to palm, which usually means foul tip,” Benetti remarked.
“Yes,” Monroe concurred.
“He’s saying it’s a strike,” Benetti asked incredulously.
“Yes, he’s saying he swung, and that’s why he called it a strike,” Monroe explained (analysts really should get extra compensation when deciphering Hernández’s decisions).
“No, see, that’s – he didn’t swing,” Benetti objected.
“At all,” Monroe confirmed.
“There’s no way he can call that a swing,” Monroe exclaimed. “Unbelievable.”
Hernández often leaves everyone scratching their heads with his calls. Baseball fans were just as puzzled as Benetti and Monroe by his decision on Thursday.