Mon Feb 03 21:00:00 UTC 2025: **MLB Upholds Firing of Umpire Pat Hoberg Despite Lack of Direct Betting Evidence**
NEW YORK – Major League Baseball (MLB) has upheld the termination of umpire Pat Hoberg, despite finding no evidence he bet on baseball games or manipulated them. Hoberg’s dismissal follows an investigation launched in February 2024 after MLB discovered he shared a sports betting account with a professional poker player who did bet on baseball. While Hoberg maintains he never bet on baseball and denies providing information for betting purposes, MLB cited his “extremely poor judgment” and the deletion of relevant messages as justification for his firing.
The investigation revealed that Hoberg’s personal device was linked to the poker player’s account, which was used to place baseball bets. Although no evidence of game manipulation or direct betting by Hoberg was found, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that the appearance of impropriety warranted the most severe penalty. “His extremely poor judgment…combined with his deletion of messages, creates at minimum the appearance of impropriety,” Manfred said in a statement.
Hoberg, known for his highly-regarded performance in the 2022 World Series, expressed remorse and accepted responsibility for his actions in a statement released through the Major League Baseball Umpires Association (MLBUA). The MLBUA acknowledged Hoberg’s mistakes while emphasizing the lack of evidence he bet on baseball games.
Despite the lack of direct evidence of betting on baseball, MLB emphasized its commitment to upholding the integrity of the game. Hoberg’s termination was deemed necessary to maintain the highest standards of personal conduct for umpires. He can apply for reinstatement in 2026.
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