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]
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]
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.[6]
Gambling investigation
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.[7] 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]
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