Major League Baseball has disciplined umpire Pat Hoberg for an alleged violation of the league’s gambling policy. Hoberg, 37, is appealing the punishment, denying that he had ever bet on baseball. MLB conducted an investigation into Hoberg’s activities during spring training, leading to the disciplinary action. Despite no evidence of compromised games worked by Hoberg, the league determined that discipline was warranted, resulting in his absence from the regular season schedule.
This incident comes shortly after MLB imposed a lifetime ban on player Tucupita Marcano for betting over $150,000 on multiple MLB games. Additionally, four other players received one-year suspensions for similar conduct. Marcano is accused of placing 387 baseball bets, including 231 MLB-related wagers, while with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season and on the injured list. Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the game by enforcing strict rules and policies prohibiting gambling conduct by those involved in baseball.
In a related development, Shohei Ohtani was cleared of any involvement in the gambling scandal surrounding his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Mizuhara faces criminal charges for allegedly stealing nearly $20 million from Ohtani to settle gambling debts. Despite this controversy, Hoberg remains highly regarded as one of the best umpires in Major League Baseball. His performance in Game 2 of the 2022 World Series, during which he correctly called all 129 pitches taken, underscores his reputation for excellence behind the plate. Fans can follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for the latest updates on this ongoing story.
