The job of an MLB umpire is simple. At the core, umpires are expected to know the rule book, to be impartial arbiters of the game, and to fade into the background. A good umpire is anonymous, someone whose name is essentially never spoken.
Then there are those umpires who feel that not only are they above the game, but that they are the game itself. These are the ones that feel that the fans come out to see them in action, and that they are completely infallible. Only mortals make mistakes after all.
The five worst MLB umpires
Sadly, it is easy to imagine some of the names on this list. These umpires have become parodies of themselves, to the point that when their names appear on social media, we all know it is going to be a disaster. But that is what happens when there is little punishment for their inability to get a call right. If nothing else, these umpires are a walking reason as to why an electronic strike zone is necessary.
Let us take a look at the five worst MLB umpires in the game today.
5. Laz Diaz
Interestingly, Laz Diaz is a solid MLB umpire in the right situation, which occurs three out of every four games.
While most of the umpires on this list are a complete disaster regardless of their spot on the diamond, Diaz is actually solid on the bases. He rarely gets calls wrong in that capacity, and if left in such a role, would be one of those umpires that does not generate any notoriety.
The problem is that he needs to step behind the plate every fourth game. In that time, he goes from being a competent umpire to Mr. Magoo. It is fair to wonder if he actually knows the difference between a ball and a strike, as his calls make that rather questionable. It is almost as though he is calling the game with his eyes closed at times.
Laz Diaz is essentially two different MLB umpires. He is competent on the bases, but a complete disaster behind the plate.