MLB disciplines umpire Pat Hoberg after gambling investigation

Umpire Pat Hoberg was disciplined by Major League Baseball following an investigation during spring training.

The 37-year-old baseball umpire has worked for the league since his debut in 2014. He was promoted to full-time staff in February 2017.

Despite high praise for his accuracy and work, Hoberg has gotten into trouble with the league and has not refereed a single game this year.

A statement from MLB read: “During this year’s spring training, Major League Baseball opened an investigation into a possible violation of MLB’s sports betting policies by umpire Pat Hoberg.

“Mr. Hoberg has been removed from service pending this investigation.

“Although MLB’s investigation found no evidence that the games manipulated by Mr. Hoberg were compromised or tampered with in any way, MLB concluded that disciplinary action was warranted.”

The arbitrator has decided to appeal against this decision; the appeal proceedings are ongoing.

MLB gambling and betting policies strike again as players face suspensions

The league has strict betting policies, which were made clear just ten days before the Hoberg investigation became known, when several key players were suspended.

San Diego Padres junior player Tucupita Marcano was banned for life in June of this year for betting on the sport.

Four other players, including Michael Kelly, Jay Groome, José Rodríguez and Andrew Saalfrank, were banned for one year for violating gambling policies.

Marcano, just 24 years old, was found to have placed 387 baseball bets, including 231 MLB-related bets, from October 2022 to November 2023 when he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In total, it turned out that he had wagered more than $150,000 on the sport, including $87,319 on MLB-related bets.

The player has since denied that the results of the baseball games he bet on were compromised, influenced or manipulated in any way.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement: “Strict enforcement of Major League Baseball’s rules and policies on gambling conduct is a critical component of our most important priority: maintaining the integrity of our games for fans.”

Featured image: Via Wikimedia Commons