Written by Ashton Snyder on
 February 5, 2025

MLB umpire dismissed over shared betting account allegations

A Major League Baseball umpire's career takes an unexpected turn after sharing sports betting accounts with a professional poker player acquaintance.

According to Daily Wire, Pat Hoberg, widely regarded as one of baseball's finest umpires, was terminated by MLB on Monday for providing access to his sports betting accounts to a friend who placed wagers on baseball games, including matches where Hoberg officiated.

The investigation revealed that between April 2, 2021, and November 1, 2023, Hoberg's friend placed 141 baseball bets totaling $214,000 through their shared accounts. The friend, whose identity remains undisclosed, managed to win approximately $35,000 from these wagers. Five of these bets were placed on games where Hoberg served as an umpire or had replay review responsibilities.

MLB investigation reveals the extent of betting activities

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized that while there was no evidence of direct betting by Hoberg or game manipulation, the umpire's decision to share betting accounts with someone he knew was likely to bet on baseball warranted severe disciplinary action. The deletion of messages between Hoberg and his friend further complicated the situation, creating what Manfred described as an appearance of impropriety.

The relationship between Hoberg and the professional poker player began at a poker tournament in 2014. Their friendship evolved to include regular travel together and sports viewing. They used Telegram to track their betting activities and settled their debts during in-person meetings.

After MLB investigators contacted Hoberg, his friend deleted their Telegram account. Hoberg claimed this action was taken due to his friend's embarrassment about the volume of legal bets placed on non-baseball events.

Renowned umpire maintains innocence despite evidence

Hoberg, who achieved perfection in calling all 129 balls and strikes during Game 2 of the 2022 World Series, has consistently denied any direct involvement in baseball betting. The 38-year-old umpire acknowledged his errors in judgment while defending his commitment to the game's integrity.

Commissioner Manfred stated:

An extensive investigation revealed no evidence that Mr. Hoberg placed bets on baseball directly or that he or anyone else manipulated games in any way. However, his extremely poor judgment in sharing betting accounts with a professional poker player he had reason to believe bet on baseball and who did, in fact, bet on baseball from the shared accounts, combined with his deletion of messages, creates at minimum the appearance of impropriety that warrants imposing the most severe discipline.

Hoberg expressed his regret in a statement:

Those errors will always be a source of shame and embarrassment to me. I never and would never bet on baseball in any way, shape, or form. I have never provided, and would never provide, information to anyone for the purpose of betting on baseball. Upholding the integrity of the game has always been of the utmost importance to me.

Baseball integrity faces new challenges

The investigation into Hoberg's activities began several months ago, leading to his initial relief from duties in May. A lengthy appeals process followed, culminating in Monday's final decision to terminate his employment.

Analysis of Hoberg's umpiring performance showed no evidence that his calls favored any particular team, player, or umpire in connection with his friend's betting activities. The investigation focused primarily on the shared betting accounts and the subsequent deletion of communications.

The termination sends a clear message about MLB's stance on gambling-related activities among its officials. This case highlights the increasing challenges faced by professional sports leagues in maintaining game integrity amid the growing accessibility of legal sports betting.

Significant consequences follow poor judgment

Pat Hoberg, once celebrated for his perfect performance in the 2022 World Series, saw his umpiring career end after sharing betting accounts with a professional poker player friend who wagered on baseball games. The friend's placement of 141 baseball bets worth $214,000, including bets on games Hoberg officiated, led to the umpire's termination despite no direct evidence of his personal betting or game manipulation. The case concluded with Monday's decision following an extensive MLB investigation and appeals process, emphasizing the league's commitment to maintaining strict boundaries between baseball officials and sports betting activities.

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About Ashton Snyder

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