Pat Hoberg | |
---|---|
![]() Hoberg in 2014 | |
Born: Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. | September 11, 1986|
MLB debut | |
March 31, 2014 | |
Last MLB appearance | |
September 17, 2023 | |
Career highlights and awards | |
Special Assignments
|
Patrick Hoberg (born September 11,1986) is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) umpire. Hoberg was the home plate umpire for Game 2 of the 2022 World Series,during which he did not make a single incorrect ball or strike call. This accomplishment,characterized as a "perfect game" for an umpire,was the first such game since MLB began tracking pitch locations using Statcast in 2015. [1] Hoberg was widely regarded as the best ball-strike umpire in MLB. [2]
A native of Des Moines,Iowa,Hoberg graduated from Urbandale High School and Grand View University. [3]
Hoberg made his Major League debut in 2014,and was one of four umpires promoted to the full-time staff in February 2017,upon the retirements of Bob Davidson,John Hirschbeck,Jim Joyce,and Tim Welke. [4]
For the 2018 regular season,he was found to be a Top 10 performing home plate umpire in terms of accuracy in calling balls and strikes. His error rate was 7.93 percent. This was based on a study conducted at Boston University where 372,442 pitches were culled and analyzed. [5]
In August 2021,Hoberg was assigned as the home plate umpire for the inaugural Field of Dreams game between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox in Dyersville,Iowa. [6]
On October 29,2022,during Game 2 of the 2022 World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park,Hoberg called a "perfect game" with 129 of 129 taken pitches called correctly. Hoberg received widespread praise from both fans and commentators of baseball. [7]
On June 14,2024,MLB announced that Hoberg was disciplined following an investigation into a violation of the league's gambling rules. Hoberg appealed the decision,denying having bet on baseball. He did not umpire any games during the 2024 season. [8] It was later revealed that the investigation began in February,and he was initially fired on May 31. [2]
On February 3,2025,MLB fired Hoberg for violation of the league's gambling rules following the appeal. It was found that he shared betting accounts with a friend who bet on baseball games,and that Hoberg deleted evidence pertaining to the league's investigation. He can apply for reinstatement for the 2026 MLB season. [2]