Pat Hoberg’s Baseball Career in Limbo: MLB Umpire Faces Discipline for Potential Violation of Sports Gambling Policies

Major League Baseball (MLB) is planning to discipline umpire Pat Hoberg after an investigation into a potential violation of sports gambling policies. The commissioner’s office announced on Friday that Hoberg has chosen to appeal the penalty. However, the specific details of the violation and the extent of the punishment have not been disclosed by MLB.

The investigation into Hoberg began during spring training this year, and he was removed from the field while the probe was ongoing. Despite MLB finding no evidence that the games officiated by Hoberg were compromised or manipulated, they determined that discipline was still warranted. Hoberg’s decision to appeal means that further comment will be reserved until the appeal process is concluded.

Pat Hoberg is a 37-year-old umpire who officiated his first MLB game in 2014 and became a full-time staff member in 2017. Throughout his career, he has received prestigious assignments such as working the plate during Game 2 of the 2022 World Series. His postseason experience includes various Wild Card and Division Series games, as well as Championship Series and a World Series. In addition to his work with MLB, Hoberg also officiated during the 2023 World Baseball Classic and was chosen to work the plate for the historic “Field of Dreams Game” in 2021.

Before making it to the major leagues, Hoberg gained experience umpiring in minor leagues such as the Pacific Coast League, the Texas League, and the Florida State League. His roots in Iowa, where he grew up, played a significant role in his career leading up to his work as an MLB umpire.