MLB umpire Pat Hoberg appeals disciplinary action following sports betting investigation | National Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball plans to discipline umpire Pat Hoberg following an investigation into a possible violation of sports betting policies.

In a statement Friday, the commissioner’s office said Hoberg had decided to appeal the penalty. MLB did not disclose the nature of the violation or the extent of the penalty.

“Although MLB’s investigation did not reveal evidence that games rigged by Mr. Hoberg were in any way compromised or manipulated, MLB determined that disciplinary action was warranted. Mr. Hoberg has chosen to appeal this decision, so we cannot comment further until the appeals process is complete,” the statement said.

MLB said the investigation into Hoberg began during this year’s spring training and that he was removed from the field while the investigation was ongoing.

“I am appealing Major League Baseball’s decision that I should be disciplined for violating sports betting policies,” Hoberg said in a union statement. “While that appeal is pending, it would not be appropriate to discuss the case. That being said, I have dedicated my entire life to the umpiring profession and the integrity of baseball is of paramount importance to me. I look forward to the appeal process and am grateful for the support of the Major League Baseball Umpires Association.”

Hoberg, 37, umpired his first major league game in 2014 and was promoted to the full-time staff in 2017. He earned top marks for calling balls and strikes while working home plate in Game 2 of the 2022 World Series between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies.

His other postseason assignments included the 2018 AL Wild Card Game at Yankee Stadium, a 2019 NL Division Series, a 2020 NL Wild Card Series, the 2020 NL Championship Series, a 2021 NL Division Series, and a 2022 AL Division Series. He also called replays during the 2021 World Series.

Hoberg was an umpire at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and was selected to be at the plate for the Field of Dreams Game between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees in August 2021. This was the first major league game in Iowa, where he grew up.

Before becoming a major league umpire, Hoberg spent time in the minor leagues, including the Pacific Coast League, Texas League and Florida State League.

“The Major League Baseball Umpires Association was informed during spring training that umpire Pat Hoberg was under investigation for possible violations of Major League Baseball’s sports betting policies,” the union said in a statement. “We have been working with Pat since then. We are now appealing the disciplinary action imposed by Major League Baseball. Because the appeal process is ongoing, the union cannot discuss the matter. We will have no further comment until the appeal process is complete.”

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