MLB Disciplines Well-Respected Umpire Pat Hoberg for Violating League Gambling Rules

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - Umpire Pat Hoberg (#31) looks on during the first inning between the Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park on April 05, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo : Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Major League Baseball is not messing around with its gambling policy.

The league has announced that umpire Pat Hoberg is being disciplined for allegedly violating MLB's gambling rules.

"During this year's Spring Training, Major League Baseball commenced an investigation regarding a potential violation of MLB's sports betting policies by Umpire Pat Hoberg," MLB said in a statement to Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich of The Athletic.

However, the league found no evidence of compromise or manipulation in games officiated by Hoberg but still concluded that discipline was necessary. As league insider Jeff Passan of ESPN reported, he has also denied betting on baseball.

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The 37-year-old became a full-time Major League umpire in 2017. He began his professional umpiring career in 2009 and made his MLB debut in 2014.

Highly regarded and well-respected around the league, Hoberg achieved a "perfect game" during Game 2 of the 2022 World Series by accurately calling all 129 pitches thrown. 

Pat Hoberg appeals discipline from MLB

The exact nature of Hoberg's actions has not yet been made public, as he is appealing MLB's disciplinary action.

"Mr. Hoberg has chosen to appeal that determination. Therefore, we cannot comment further until the appeal process is concluded," the league added to their statement.

Hoberg officiated games last season and has not been on the field for the 2024 MLB season. 

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