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Following a comprehensive investigation that revealed that umpire Pat Hoberg “shared” sports betting accounts with a longtime buddy who is also a professional poker player, Major League Baseball (MLB) has confirmed its decision to fire Hoberg. The investigation, which concentrated on Hoberg’s actions, found a link between the person who had bet on baseball games and Hoberg’s personal account with a registered sports betting provider.
Hoberg addressed the findings through the MLB Umpires Association (MLBUA), accepting full responsibility for his actions. “I take full responsibility for the errors in judgment that are outlined in today’s statement. Those errors will always be a source of shame and embarrassment to me,” he said. While Hoberg acknowledged his lapse in judgment, he emphasized that he never bet on baseball or shared information with others for the purpose of betting. He added, “Upholding the integrity of the game has always been of the utmost importance to me.”
Despite no direct evidence linking Hoberg to betting on baseball or influencing games he officiated, MLB’s investigation found that Hoberg had used his personal device to connect with a sports betting account. Additionally, he was found to have deleted key messages related to the investigation. As a result, MLB decided to remove him from spring training and place him on inactive status for the 2024 season.
Hoberg may submit a new reinstatement application, but it won’t be taken into consideration until spring training in 2026. In 2014, Hoberg started officiating major league games, and in 2017, he was upgraded to full-time position. From 2018 to 2022, he officiated postseason games annually, earning him recognition.
MLB is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the game, and this occurrence demonstrates the high standards it has for its umpires.