In a groundbreaking moment for sports, Jen Pawol has become the first female umpire to officiate a Major League Baseball (MLB) game in the league's 150-year history, receiving an enthusiastic welcome in Atlanta.
First Female MLB Umpire Receives Historic Ovation in Atlanta
First Female MLB Umpire Receives Historic Ovation in Atlanta
Jen Pawol makes history as the first woman to umpire a regular season Major League Baseball game.
Jen Pawol, 48, made history Saturday by becoming the first female umpire to officiate a Major League Baseball (MLB) game during the regular season. Serving as first base umpire in the game between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves, Pawol was met with a standing ovation from an ecstatic crowd. "I'm aware of the gravity. I'm aware of the magnitude," she said, reflecting on the moment that marked a significant milestone in baseball history.
The atmosphere was electric as attendees cheered and held supportive signs bearing slogans like "Pawol making HERstory." Emotionally moved, Pawol noted, "It was pretty amazing when we took the field, and it seemed like quite a few people started clapping and saying my name."
After the game, she commemorated the occasion by donating her game hat to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Her historic debut comes alongside her plans to officiate again in a key role on Saturday night, overseeing third base, and on Sunday when she will call balls and strikes behind home plate in the series finale.
Hailing from New Jersey, Pawol boasts over three decades of experience, having officiated more than 1,200 games in the minor leagues. Her entrance into the MLB is particularly notable, as it arrives 28 years after the NBA welcomed its first female basketball referee and a decade after the NFL did the same. The world of sports has seen gradual changes, although the NHL has yet to hire a female official.
Pawol's accomplishment was celebrated by 30 friends and family members in attendance, including current players, managers, and umpires, all of whom gathered to witness this historic event. Her presence on the MLB field marks a progressive milestone in breaking gender barriers in professional sports.
The atmosphere was electric as attendees cheered and held supportive signs bearing slogans like "Pawol making HERstory." Emotionally moved, Pawol noted, "It was pretty amazing when we took the field, and it seemed like quite a few people started clapping and saying my name."
After the game, she commemorated the occasion by donating her game hat to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Her historic debut comes alongside her plans to officiate again in a key role on Saturday night, overseeing third base, and on Sunday when she will call balls and strikes behind home plate in the series finale.
Hailing from New Jersey, Pawol boasts over three decades of experience, having officiated more than 1,200 games in the minor leagues. Her entrance into the MLB is particularly notable, as it arrives 28 years after the NBA welcomed its first female basketball referee and a decade after the NFL did the same. The world of sports has seen gradual changes, although the NHL has yet to hire a female official.
Pawol's accomplishment was celebrated by 30 friends and family members in attendance, including current players, managers, and umpires, all of whom gathered to witness this historic event. Her presence on the MLB field marks a progressive milestone in breaking gender barriers in professional sports.
