Pat Hoberg has built a reputation as one of Major League Baseball’s most precise and composed umpires. Known for his calm demeanor and remarkably accurate strike zone, Hoberg’s career has stood out not just for consistency, but for some high-profile moments that have put him in the spotlight.
Here’s a closer look at how his umpiring career has developed and what has made him one of the most closely watched figures in the game.
Hoberg began his professional umpiring journey in the minor leagues, working his way through the usual progression of instructional leagues, Double-A, and Triple-A assignments. Like most umpires, he spent years gaining experience in the minors before earning a chance to appear in the big leagues.
He made his MLB debut in 2014, and his assignments steadily increased in importance over the next few seasons. By the late 2010s, Hoberg was already being recognized for the accuracy of his calls and his steady presence behind the plate.
By 2017, Hoberg was receiving more regular-season assignments and had been selected to work postseason games—a strong indicator of the league’s confidence in his ability. Umpires are evaluated closely throughout the year, and only top performers are selected for the playoffs.
What set Hoberg apart wasn’t just his knowledge of the game or his professionalism—it was his near-unmatched plate accuracy. In an era where every pitch is tracked, mapped, and scrutinized, Hoberg consistently ranks near the top in grading reports.
One of the biggest moments of Hoberg’s career came during the 2022 World Series, where he called a perfect game behind the plate. Not from the pitcher’s mound, but in terms of calling every ball and strike correctly—a feat confirmed by post-game tracking data.
That performance didn’t just earn him praise—it sparked conversations among fans, analysts, and players about just how valuable a high-level umpire can be to the integrity of a game.
While it’s not an official stat in the rulebook, a perfect game from an umpire—especially in the World Series—is extremely rare, and it cemented Hoberg’s status as one of the most reliable umpires working today.
Beyond accuracy, Hoberg is known for staying composed, avoiding the spotlight, and keeping control of tense situations without letting games spiral. In a league where arguments and ejections are part of the job, Hoberg has developed a reputation for not letting emotions get in the way of his decision-making.
He’s not flashy, and he doesn’t insert himself into moments unnecessarily—traits that are often appreciated more by players and managers than by highlight reels.
As of recent seasons, Hoberg continues to be a fixture in high-stakes games, and his consistent performance has made him a go-to option for critical assignments. With automated strike zone technology looming in the sport’s near future, umpires like Hoberg represent the top end of what human officials are still capable of delivering.
If the game does transition more heavily into automation, Hoberg’s work could very well stand as one of the high marks of pre-robot umpiring in the modern era.
Pat Hoberg’s career isn’t defined by controversy or theatrics—it’s built on consistency, accuracy, and trust. Whether he's behind the plate in a World Series game or calling a quiet Tuesday night matchup, Hoberg brings the same level of focus and precision.
And in today’s data-driven baseball world, that level of consistency doesn't go unnoticed.
