MLB to Take Action Against Umpire Pat Hoberg After Sports Betting Probe

Major League Baseball is taking action against umpire Pat Hoberg as they investigate a potential violation of its policies on sports gambling. Hoberg has chosen to appeal the penalty handed down by the commissioner’s office. While the nature of the violation and the extent of the punishment have not been disclosed, MLB confirmed that no evidence was found of compromised or manipulated games worked by Hoberg.

The investigation into Hoberg began during spring training this year, resulting in his removal from the field while the probe was ongoing. Hoberg, 37, started umpiring big league games in 2014 and became a full-time staffer in 2017. He received a perfect grade for calling balls and strikes during Game 2 of the 2022 World Series between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies.

Hoberg has been assigned to several postseason games, including the 2018 AL Wild Card Game, 2019 NL Division Series, 2020 NL Wild Card Series, 2020 NL Championship Series, 2021 NL Division Series, and 2022 AL Division Series. He also worked on replay duties during the 2021 World Series and umpired in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Hoberg was also selected to work the plate for the historic “Field of Dreams Game” between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees in August 2021, which was the first MLB game played in Iowa.

Before joining the big leagues, Hoberg gained experience in the minors, working in leagues such as the Pacific Coast League, Texas League, and Florida State League. Details on the appeal process are not disclosed, and further comments will be made after the appeal is concluded.