Jen Pawol has etched her name in history by becoming the first female umpire to officiate a Major League Baseball (MLB) game during the regular season. At 48, Pawol took to the field as the first base umpire during a game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves in Atlanta, Georgia.
"I'm aware of the gravity. I'm aware of the magnitude," she said in a statement, highlighting the significance of the occasion. As she stepped onto the pitch, crowds cheered enthusiastically, giving her a standing ovation that stirred deep emotions. “It was pretty amazing when we took the field, and it seemed like quite a few people started clapping and saying my name," Pawol reflected after the game.
Supporters in the stands even showcased signs that read "Pawol making HERstory" and "the time has come for one & all to play ball," marking this pivotal event with passion and enthusiasm. In a move of solidarity and to commemorate her historic day, Pawol donated her game hat to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum following the match.
Looking ahead, Pawol is expected to continue her officiating duties, with plans to oversee the third base on Saturday night and then call balls and strikes in the final game of the three-game series on Sunday. A dedicated official from New Jersey, she has amassed over 1,200 games to her credit in a career spanning more than 30 years, primarily in minor leagues, according to MLB.
Pawol’s debut arrives 28 years after the NBA welcomed its first female basketball referee, emphasizing the slow but steady strides towards inclusion in sports. While the NFL welcomed its first woman official a decade ago and FIFA allowed female referees for the men's World Cup three years ago, the National Hockey League remains the only major sports league yet to feature a female referee. With Pawol’s entry into MLB, the hope for increased representation in sports continues to grow.
