MLB umpire Pat Hoberg contests disciplinary action amid sports betting probe

An investigation into MLB umpire Pat Hoberg’s potential violation of sports gambling policies has led to Major League Baseball planning to discipline him. Hoberg has decided to appeal the penalty, though the nature of the violation and the extent of the punishment have not been disclosed by MLB.

The commissioner’s office released a statement on Friday, mentioning that while there was no evidence of any compromised or manipulated games worked by Hoberg, MLB determined that discipline was still warranted. The investigation into Hoberg began during spring training this year, leading to him being removed from the field while it was ongoing.

Hoberg, 37, umpired his first big league game in 2014 and became a full-time staff member in 2017. He has worked several postseason games, including the 2022 World Series, where he received a perfect grade on calling balls and strikes for Game 2 between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies. He has also officiated in the 2018 AL Wild Card Game, a 2019 NL Division Series, among others.

Before making it to the major leagues, Hoberg spent time in various minor leagues like the Pacific Coast League, the Texas League, and the Florida State League. He hails from Iowa and was chosen to work the plate for the historic “Field of Dreams Game” in August 2021 between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees. Hoberg also umpired in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The appeal process for the discipline imposed on him is ongoing, so further comments from MLB are on hold until it is concluded.