Jen Pawol has made US sporting history by stepping onto the pitch as the first female umpire in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the regular season. At 48 years old, Pawol took charge of first base in a thrilling game between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves. "I'm aware of the gravity. I'm aware of the magnitude," she expressed to MLB.com, radiating joy as she was greeted with cheers and a standing ovation from fans in Atlanta, Georgia.
After the game, Pawol described the emotional experience: "It was pretty amazing. Quite a few people started clapping and saying my name." Supporters in the stands proudly held signs celebrating her achievement, with slogans like "Pawol making HERstory" and "the time has come for one & all to play ball." In honor of the occasion, she donated her game cap to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Pawol, originally from New Jersey, has an impressive track record, having worked for over three decades as an umpire in the minor leagues with more than 1,200 games under her belt. She is set to return to the field, where she'll handle third base next, and will be in the spotlight on Sunday as she stands behind home plate, calling balls and strikes for the final match of the series.
While Pawol’s trailblazing achievement comes 28 years after the NBA welcomed its first female referee, the NFL has had female officials for a decade, and men’s soccer appointed its first female referee three years ago. The professional sports community is now eagerly anticipating when the NHL will follow suit.
After the game, Pawol described the emotional experience: "It was pretty amazing. Quite a few people started clapping and saying my name." Supporters in the stands proudly held signs celebrating her achievement, with slogans like "Pawol making HERstory" and "the time has come for one & all to play ball." In honor of the occasion, she donated her game cap to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Pawol, originally from New Jersey, has an impressive track record, having worked for over three decades as an umpire in the minor leagues with more than 1,200 games under her belt. She is set to return to the field, where she'll handle third base next, and will be in the spotlight on Sunday as she stands behind home plate, calling balls and strikes for the final match of the series.
While Pawol’s trailblazing achievement comes 28 years after the NBA welcomed its first female referee, the NFL has had female officials for a decade, and men’s soccer appointed its first female referee three years ago. The professional sports community is now eagerly anticipating when the NHL will follow suit.
