Any fan of the MLB knows the names of a select few umpires.
These are the worst of the worst and can single-handedly ruin your day if you know that they are umping in some capacity that day.
They are subject to terrible calls, awful strike zones and general distrust from the players.
Here is a look at the five worst umpires that currently have a job in the MLB, and what earns them the rankings.
5. Fieldin Culbreth
Of the guy on this list, Culbreth is likely the least recognizable.
Much of this is due to his partial improvement as an umpire over the past few years.
However, time will not erase his mistakes in the field.
There is so much to love about the crowd reactions to umpire Fieldin Culbreth's mistaken "punchout" call on a 3-1 pitch. #Game163 pic.twitter.com/p4kd9OYXR9
— Nick Pollack (@PitcherList) October 1, 2018
In 2010, Culbreth was suspended for two games in 2013 for not knowing the rules as the crew chief for a game between the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels.
This is a rare move by the MLB, as it is not common to see them publicly reprimand an umpire.
Along with this, he boasts an erratic and inconsistent strike zone that never sits well with players.
Because of these, he comes in as the fifth-worst umpire.
4. Joe West
West is one of the classic faces in the sport of baseball.
Even some of the more casual fans will likely be able to recognize West, either for good or bad.
While he does have some funny moments with the game’s brightest stars, he also has some horrible decisions.
When watching a game umped by West, it can quickly become clear why he is on this list.
What a sequence here for Joe West pic.twitter.com/NF2Rg1QrSo
— Jonah (@JShiffyDFS) August 9, 2020
He tends to have a skewed view of the plate, giving strike calls that do not really make sense.
Along with this, he is known as having a quick trigger to throw out players and managers.
However, it helps that he is a lovable figure that still seems to be popular in the game, though it may not necessarily be for his stellar umpiring.
3. Laz Diaz
A quick google search on Diaz will bring up many articles critiquing Diaz’s umpiring.
He has been consistently awful throughout his career, sporting some of the most questionable strike calls.
With baseball around the corner, reminder how terrible Laz Diaz is at his job pic.twitter.com/MsWdmEH6MB
— Brett (@CUBBlEBLUE97) July 13, 2020
While he is solid in the field, Diaz is at his worst when behind the plate.
There are moments where it seems like he has no control over the strike zone, not having a real clue on what is actually a ball or strike.
Many times, these come in major situations that have a great impact on the game.
Because of this, he is widely unliked in the sport and is a constant annoyance when he is the umpire.
2. C.B. Bucknor
Bucknor is another high-profile bad umpire.
He routinely makes terrible calls when he is behind the plate, giving pitchers excessively large strike zones and making it tougher on hitters.
Now, his reputation across the league precedes him whenever he is on the field as the umpire.
Whether it be poor strike calls or phantom foul tips, Bucknor seems to constantly make bad calls.
"foul tip" pic.twitter.com/MI5UQEXzUH
— Zach Dillard (@Zach_Dillard) April 19, 2017
Because of this, he comes in as the second-worst umpire in the game today.
1. Angel Hernandez
Hernandez sits at the top of this list as another umpire whose name instantly brings along preconceived notions.
He is uniquely bad on both sides, giving awful strike zones and making brutal calls in the field.
Gotta love how Angel Hernandez is trending before the season even starts.
A reminder: pic.twitter.com/1LcOxeT9eA
— Billy Krumb (@ClubhouseCancer) April 1, 2021
Even former Yankees starting pitcher C.C. Sabathia had something to say about Hernandez.
“I need to say this…I don’t think Angel Hernandez should be umping playoff games. He’s absolutely terrible. He was terrible behind the plate today,” said Sabathia. “He was terrible at first base. It’s amazing how he’s getting a job umpiring in these playoff games.”
These are strong words coming from a pitcher who will likely be inducted into the Hall of Fame someday.
Along with this, Hernandez also has a fight with the MLB itself after he sued the league for alleged discrimination.
After this, he has nobody on his side as many players already call him the worst umpire in the game.
Because of this, Hernandez easily positions himself at the number one position on this list.
NEXT: 3 Burning Questions Entering The 2021 MLB Season (Breakdown)
Joe says
4 n 5 no chance. Should be porter and wolf in top 5
Anonymous says
Bruce Foeming and Joe West are the worst umpires ever!
Anonymous says
Without a doubt
Ron says
Bruce Froeming and Joe West are the worst in my lifetime!!!
doug fouts says
Joe Brinkman should be on the list.
Anonymous says
No bro It has nothing to do with race you are a terrible umpire.
[email protected] says
Angel Hernandez isn’t fit to Umpire a Little League Game. Plus he is a PUNK that knows no player can lay a hand on his PINK ASS. But as a fa, I could. All the Umpires for the most part think they are the biggest part of it. THEY. Are not. I went to bed when Hernandez called Posey out on a ball that was way outside. For that call alone he should be SUSPENDED. He and others are bad for the Sport of BASEBALL. I am going to be 76 years old next month. O have followed the Giants from New Dork to here in 1968. Heard Bobby Thompson’s shot heard round the World when I was 6. And now because of a certain grew of IGNORANT PLAYERS and some UMPIRES I didn’t get to enjoy the game I have loved FOREVER. Just about. DONE with all Sports. Like everything else GREED POWER AND THE OLD 💲DOLLAR. Larry Velasco. FAN?
Joe Malady says
Worst ever.So bad he makes Joe West look good.Thats very hard to do.
[email protected] says
One other thing. I am Hispanic. and Angel is a Punk to claim Discrimination. Now a days It’s REVERSE DISCRIMINATION.. Hernandez used it to get money. He Will Not be missed when he either retires, gets fired, quits or gets his PUNK ASS kicked by a retiring player. Perfect time to knock the CRAP out of him. Hernandez. Do baseball and its Fans a break. RETIRE. I wi much rather see you with a bloodied nose and a couple of black eyes but don’t want a player to sitter consequences for you.
Jenn says
I think baseball is ready to rid themselves of all umpires and go another way. If you can’t do a job fairly and it’s what you’re paid for, we don’t have room for you. They are doing a great job ruining an amazing sport and I’m tired of it
Harry Spindler says
Umpires are often out of position on the bases to make an accurate call. That’s why we now have video replay which overturns umpire calls by about 50%. Umpires hate being subject to review but fans can now see that they do make bad calls which can effect the outcome of a game. As for balls and strikes, they differ on the strike zone whereas a pitch should be in the imaginary TV box to be called a strike. Too often pitches outside of the box are called strikes taking the bat out of the hands of the batter. Fans can’t expect pefection but umpires have to do a better job or find another job.