Major League Baseball terminated umpire Pat Hoberg's employment due to violations of the league's gambling regulations. The dismissal stems from Hoberg sharing his legal sports betting accounts with an acquaintance who placed wagers on baseball games. Furthermore, Hoberg erased electronic communications relevant to MLB's investigation into the matter, which began in February 2024 after a sportsbook alerted league officials.

While the investigation found no proof of Hoberg personally betting on baseball or manipulating game outcomes, his actions were deemed to create an appearance of impropriety. MLB Senior Vice President Michael Hill recommended Hoberg's termination in May 2024, a decision upheld by Commissioner Rob Manfred. Hoberg did not officiate any games during the 2024 season.

Hoberg has the option to apply for reinstatement, but not before spring training of 2026. Commissioner Manfred emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the game, stating that Hoberg's poor judgment warranted the severe disciplinary action. The commissioner highlighted the sharing of accounts with a professional poker player who subsequently bet on baseball, along with the deletion of messages, as key factors in the decision.

MLB disclosed that Hoberg's associate placed 141 baseball bets totaling nearly $214,000 between April 2, 2023, and November 1, 2023, resulting in a net win of approximately $35,000. Considered a highly skilled umpire with a reputation for accurate strike zone judgment, Hoberg notably achieved a perfect game in terms of ball and strike calls during Game 2 of the 2022 World Series.

In a statement, the 38-year-old Hoberg accepted responsibility for his errors in judgment, expressing shame and embarrassment while maintaining that he never bet on baseball or provided information to others for betting purposes. He apologized to MLB and the baseball community, pledging to learn from his mistakes.

The sportsbook that initially alerted the league reported that Hoberg opened an account in his name on January 30, 2024. A device linked to this account subsequently accessed another account under a different name, from which bets were placed on baseball games.