MLB umpire Laz Diaz is opening up as he approaches retirement.
Diaz, 63, was one of seven veteran umpires that agreed to a buyout with MLB this year, and he recently spoke to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale about his 31 year-career.
Diaz said he is sad to miss those in baseball he’s built relationships with, but he won’t miss the game itself.
“I tell these young guys there’s so much pressure in this game,” Diaz said. “So, if you’re not going to have fun in this game, don’t do it. Do not do it. It’s not worth it. There’s just so much scrutiny and negative stuff now.
“It’s nasty. We don’t get the recognition. Everybody is putting us down. Like with Angel [Hernandez] and CB [Bucknor], they got so much criticism, and they’re great umpires. But everything is just so (expletive) negative.
“There are a lot of people I’m going to miss, and I made a lot of friends, but what I won’t miss is the game. Not one bit. It’s just changed so much. There’s so much more technical stuff. It’s kind of restricted us. I mean, everything is black and white now. You can’t manage the game.”
Umpire scrutiny has only increased with the introduction of the ABS system this season. Several umpires, including Diaz, have had tense moments on the field after their calls were challenged.
Diaz’s long career took place over several eras of baseball and included work in three World Series and being on duty for Barry Bonds’ record-breaking 756th home run, Mark Buehrle’s perfect game, and other memorable pieces of baseball history.
“I’ve been blessed,” Diaz said. “The Lord has definitely blessed me throughout my career. It was a great run. But now, it’s time.”
