Jen Pawol has officially etched her name in sports history, becoming the first female umpire to officiate a Major League Baseball (MLB) game in the league's 150-year existence. The 48-year-old made her historic debut by overseeing first base during the recent matchup between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves.
Pawol expressed her understanding of the importance of her role, stating, "I'm aware of the gravity. I'm aware of the magnitude," as reported by MLB.com. Her experience in front of the home crowd in Atlanta was met with an enthusiastic standing ovation, leaving her visibly moved. "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 reflected after the game.
Supporters can be seen in the stands with encouraging signs, such as "Pawol making HERstory" and "the time has come for one & all to play ball". As a memorable gesture, she donated the umpiring cap she wore during the game to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Pawol is scheduled to return to officiate on Saturday, taking up the position of third base umpire. Additionally, she will be in charge behind home plate for the final game of the three-game series, where she will be calling balls and strikes.
Having worked her way through the ranks of minor league baseball, Pawol boasts an impressive record of over 1,200 games in her more than 30-year career. Her family and friends, including players, managers, and fellow umpires, made the trip to Atlanta to support her historic accomplishment.
Pawol's milestone comes nearly three decades after the NBA appointed its first female referee, with the NFL hiring its first female official a decade prior. While FIFA made headlines by incorporating female referees in men's World Cup matches three years ago, the National Hockey League has yet to see a female referee take the ice.
Pawol expressed her understanding of the importance of her role, stating, "I'm aware of the gravity. I'm aware of the magnitude," as reported by MLB.com. Her experience in front of the home crowd in Atlanta was met with an enthusiastic standing ovation, leaving her visibly moved. "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 reflected after the game.
Supporters can be seen in the stands with encouraging signs, such as "Pawol making HERstory" and "the time has come for one & all to play ball". As a memorable gesture, she donated the umpiring cap she wore during the game to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Pawol is scheduled to return to officiate on Saturday, taking up the position of third base umpire. Additionally, she will be in charge behind home plate for the final game of the three-game series, where she will be calling balls and strikes.
Having worked her way through the ranks of minor league baseball, Pawol boasts an impressive record of over 1,200 games in her more than 30-year career. Her family and friends, including players, managers, and fellow umpires, made the trip to Atlanta to support her historic accomplishment.
Pawol's milestone comes nearly three decades after the NBA appointed its first female referee, with the NFL hiring its first female official a decade prior. While FIFA made headlines by incorporating female referees in men's World Cup matches three years ago, the National Hockey League has yet to see a female referee take the ice.
