Major League Baseball upheld its decision to terminate umpire Pat Hoberg on Monday following allegations of sharing a betting account with a friend who placed bets on baseball.
Hoberg was dismissed by MLB for failing to maintain the integrity of the game by sharing sports betting accounts with a professional poker player. It was also reported that Hoberg deliberately deleted messages relevant to MLB’s investigation into his actions.
Despite denying direct or indirect involvement in baseball betting, data from the accounts did not show any baseball wagers placed from Hoberg’s electronic devices. MLB stated there was no evidence of game manipulation by Hoberg or others.
“I take full responsibility for the errors in judgment outlined in MLB’s statement,” Hoberg expressed in a released statement. “These errors will remain a source of shame and embarrassment for me.”
“MLB umpires are held to a high standard of personal conduct, and I fell short of that standard. I want to make it clear that I have never and would never bet on baseball in any capacity. Upholding the game’s integrity has always been my top priority.”
Hoberg began his MLB umpiring career in 2014 and transitioned to full-time status in 2017. Known for his accuracy, the Des Moines native was highly regarded in the sport and even officiated a “perfect game” during the 2022 World Series.
MLB initiated an investigation into Hoberg during spring training the previous year, resulting in his removal from field duties for the 2024 season. The umpire officially appealed his termination, which was ultimately upheld on May 31.
“The strict enforcement of MLB’s rules on sports betting conduct is crucial in safeguarding the integrity of our games for fans,” stated commissioner Rob Manfred.
“While there is no evidence of direct baseball betting by Mr. Hoberg or game manipulation, his poor judgment in sharing betting accounts with a poker player who bet on baseball, along with message deletion, raises concerns of impropriety warranting severe discipline,” the statement continued.
“Therefore, Mr. Hoberg’s termination was justified for failing to meet high standards of personal conduct and preserving baseball’s integrity.”
Hoberg is eligible to seek reinstatement starting in the 2026 spring training period.
This incident is the latest in a series of gambling-related controversies in baseball and sports in general. Notably, Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter was arrested in a gambling scandal, leading to bans and suspensions for several players across different teams.
Similar investigations into gambling activities have extended to basketball, with former player Jontay Porter facing a lifetime ban. The ongoing scrutiny underscores the importance of upholding integrity in sports.