Detroit Tigers’ Armando Galarraga and Cleveland Indians bench coach Tim Tolman hand the lineups to tearful home plate umpire Jim Joyce, prior to the start of the game Thursday, June 3, 2010 at Comerica Park. Joyce’s blown call the night before cost Galarraga a perfect game.
Armando Galarraga, Jim Joyce
It’s often said that the best umpires are those that you don’t even notice during a game. Sadly, though, some umpires insert themselves into a game in one way or another. Whether it’s a vendetta against a certain player or simply a horrible call at a crucial time, umpires draw the ire of fans everywhere.
Admittedly, deciding on the worst umpires is very subjective, often fueled by fan frustration rather than actual performance. Regardless, patterns do exist, and umpires are judged accordingly.
Here are some of the worst umpires in MLB history. Agree? Disagree? Leave your comments below.
Angel Hernandez
May 1, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Home plate umpire Angel Hernandez during the game between the Houston Astros and the Cleveland Guardians at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
There are train wrecks and then there is Angel Hernandez. Not only is he supremely inaccurate but he is confrontational and has a quick eject button.
C.B. Bucknor
May 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) talks with home plate umpire C.B. Bucknor after a call during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
No hitter has any idea of his strike zone since it fluctuates each game. His animated strikeout calls only make players and managers hate him more.
Laz Diaz
May 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson argues a call with home plate umpire Laz Diaz during the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Some have argued that he is more inconsistent than Angel Hernandez, which is the ultimate insult.
Rob Drake
May 18, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) and umpire Rob Drake (30) watch the flight of a ball that landed foul in the seats in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Not only is he inaccurate on the field, he is known for his political views affecting his calls too.
Don Denkinger
Sept. 19, 1982; Bronx, NY, USA; Milwaukee Manager Harvey Kuenn protested a call Sunday to home plate umpire Don Denkinger during third-inning action against New York at the Stadium. Kuenn argued over a bunt single by Willie Randolph; Mandatory credit: Lynn Howell-USA TODAY NETWORK
Made one of the worst calls in World Series history, calling Jorge Orta safe at first, helping lead the Royals to a win over the Cardinals.
Jim Joyce
Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga lost his perfect game on this play, when umpire Jim Joyce ruled Cleveland Indians’ Jason Donald was safe at first base Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at Comerica Park.
Armando Galarraga, Jim Joyce, Jason Donald
Detroit Tigers fans know Joyce well after his horrible call cost Armando Galarraga a perfect game.
Joe West
Oct 2, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Third base umpire Joe West (22) jogs on the field during the third inning of the game between the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
No umpire makes himself the center of attention more than “Cowboy Joe”.
Bob Davidson
Mar 29, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; MLB umpire Bob Davidson (61) signals ground crew members to bring out the infield tarp as inclement weather approaches during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Pittsburgh Pirates at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Has a quick hook to eject players and seems to call more balks than he does.
