Jen Pawol has entered the annals of sports history, becoming the first woman to umpire a regular season game in Major League Baseball (MLB) during its 150-year existence. The milestone occurred on Saturday when the 48-year-old official presided over first base in a matchup between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves in Atlanta, Georgia.
"I recognize the significance of this moment," said Pawol, reflecting on her historic role as noted by MLB.com. The reception she received from the crowd was overwhelming; fans erupted in cheers and applauded as she took to the field. “It was pretty amazing when we took the field, and it seemed like quite a few people started clapping and saying my name, so that was pretty intense and very emotional,” she stated after the event.
Supporters in the stands displayed messages such as "Pawol making HERstory," and "the time has come for one & all to play ball," emphasizing the occasion’s importance. Following the game, she made a gesture of significance by donating her game hat to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Pawol will return to the field later this week, serving as the third-base umpire in her next appearance, with all eyes on her during Sunday’s game where she will fulfill the role of home plate umpire. With over 1,200 games officiated through her extensive career in the minor leagues, Pawol has a robust background as an umpire.
Attending the historic game were roughly 30 of her family members and friends, including current players and fellow umpires, who came to show their support. Pawol's groundbreaking entry into MLB comes nearly three decades after the NBA appointed its first female referee, and just ten years following the NFL's move to hire its first female official. Meanwhile, women's representation in officiating men's soccer is becoming more common, with female referees being appointed to the World Cup for the first time three years ago. The National Hockey League, however, has yet to see a woman on the officiating roster.
"I recognize the significance of this moment," said Pawol, reflecting on her historic role as noted by MLB.com. The reception she received from the crowd was overwhelming; fans erupted in cheers and applauded as she took to the field. “It was pretty amazing when we took the field, and it seemed like quite a few people started clapping and saying my name, so that was pretty intense and very emotional,” she stated after the event.
Supporters in the stands displayed messages such as "Pawol making HERstory," and "the time has come for one & all to play ball," emphasizing the occasion’s importance. Following the game, she made a gesture of significance by donating her game hat to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Pawol will return to the field later this week, serving as the third-base umpire in her next appearance, with all eyes on her during Sunday’s game where she will fulfill the role of home plate umpire. With over 1,200 games officiated through her extensive career in the minor leagues, Pawol has a robust background as an umpire.
Attending the historic game were roughly 30 of her family members and friends, including current players and fellow umpires, who came to show their support. Pawol's groundbreaking entry into MLB comes nearly three decades after the NBA appointed its first female referee, and just ten years following the NFL's move to hire its first female official. Meanwhile, women's representation in officiating men's soccer is becoming more common, with female referees being appointed to the World Cup for the first time three years ago. The National Hockey League, however, has yet to see a woman on the officiating roster.
