MLB Umpire Pat Hoberg Challenges Imposed Penalty over Accusations of Unlawful Betting Activity
Professional baseball umpire Pat Hoberg is facing potential sanctions due to allegations of breaking MLB's gambling regulations.
On a Friday announcement, the MLB declared their intentions to impose penalties on Hoberg for violating Rule 21, which prohibits any baseball player, umpire, official, or employee from wagering on any baseball game, regardless of their participation.
Individuals who gamble on games they are directly involved in can face a lifetime ban from MLB, while those betting on games they aren't participating in may face a one-year suspension.
During this year's Spring Training, the MLB initiated an investigation into a potential breach of their sports betting guidelines by umpire Pat Hoberg," the MLB stated. "Hoberg was temporarily removed from the field amidst the ongoing investigation. Though the MLB's investigation didn't uncover any proof that games called by Hoberg were tampered with or manipulated in any way, the league determined that discipline was necessary."
At 37, Hoberg has been a full-time MLB umpire since 2017 and hasn't worked a game this year due to the ongoing investigation.
Questionable Calls
Hoberg is known for his accuracy when calling balls, strikes, and baserunners safe or out.
During Game 2 of the 2022 World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros, Hoberg called an error-free game, with the MLB's review confirming that he correctly called all 129 pitches not swung at.
From 2017 through the 2023 season, Hoberg topped the MLB accuracy charts with a rating of 96.4%. Only a small number of umps each season possess accuracy ratings above 95%.
Hoberg declared his intention to contest the league's planned disciplinary measures. Due to this, the league cannot disclose specifics of the investigation that led to the decision that disciplinary action was warranted.
The MLB statement elaborated, "Mr. Hoberg has opted to appeal the decision. As a result, details regarding the investigation cannot be revealed until the appeal process is finalized."
The Hoberg scandal emerged a week after the MLB announced a lifetime ban for San Diego Padres player Tucupita Marcano. An investigation found that Marcano wagered at least $150,000 on baseball games from October 2022 through July 2023, including bets on games he participated in during his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Three minor league players received one-year bans for wagering on baseball games they weren't involved in.
Ruined Reputation
Hoberg has made a name for himself as a top umpire for the MLB, but the gambling controversy puts his reputation at risk. He has the distinction of working the 2022 World Series and serving as the home-plate umpire for the 2021 Field of Dreams game between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees played in Iowa.
Hoberg is the first notable umpire in U.S. professional sports to find himself in a gambling scandal since Tim Donaghy in 2007, who admitted to betting on NBA games he officiated and collaborating with crooked bookies.
Donaghy served 11 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting wagering information through interstate commerce.
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