Though umpires typically prefer to stay out of the public eye, Hirschbeck found himself in the spotlight after an on-field incident in the final weekend of the regular season on Friday, September 27, 1996, in Toronto when Baltimore Orioles second baseman Roberto Alomar became involved in a heated, two-way argument with Hirschbeck over a close called third strike.

Having heard Alomar's remarks, Hirschbeck charged into the Orioles' clubhouse the next day and he had to be restrained by fellow umpire, Jim Joyce.

The complaint alleged that Hirschbeck had ordered a member of his umpiring crew not to warn a pitcher for intentionally throwing at a batter.

The threats were alleged to have been made during a discussion between Hirschbeck and Rob Manfred, management's top labor lawyer.

[8] On May 5, 2013, Hirschbeck ejected Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals after the outfielder argued a check-swing call for strike three in the first inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post wrote that Hirschbeck should have simply turned his back and ignored Harper rather than escalating the incident.

The incident highlighted what was seen by some as a new age of "diva" umpires, with Hirschbeck's actions singled out and referred to as a "display of egotism".

[11] Hirschbeck was accused of escalating the situation by approaching Tulowitzki after the fact,[12] actions which were referred to by some observers as "simply unacceptable".

[13] Hirschbeck was the first base umpire at Yankee Stadium when David Wells pitched a perfect game against the Minnesota Twins on May 17, 1998.

[14] He was behind the plate on August 7, 2007, at AT&T Park in San Francisco when Giants slugger Barry Bonds hit his record-breaking 756th* career home run.

[26] After working a reduced schedule in 2011 due to back pain, Hirschbeck's cancer returned and he missed the 2012 MLB season.

[27] His last contest before returning to umpiring's disabled list was Game 162 of the 2011 regular season between the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles.