Jen Pawol becomes first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball game
15 days ago
- #Umpire
- #MLB
- #Gender Barrier
- Jen Pawol becomes the first female umpire to work a regular-season MLB game, breaking the gender barrier.
- Pawol received overwhelming support from fans, family, and peers during her historic debut.
- She served as the first base umpire in a game between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins, earning praise for her performance.
- Pawol noted the difference in visibility of her supporters in a major league stadium compared to minor leagues.
- Her first significant call was declaring Braves catcher Sean Murphy safe on a close play, which wasn't challenged.
- Pawol displayed animated calls, including a fist pump and leg lift during a double play.
- Fans gave her a warm ovation when she was featured on the video board between innings.
- Pawol will umpire behind the plate in the series finale, marking another milestone.
- The cap she wore during her debut will be sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Crew chief Chris Guccione praised Pawol, calling her a role model for girls and women.
- Pawol has worked in the minor leagues since 2016 and was promoted to MLB after years of dedication.
- She has experience handling confrontations with managers and remains confident in her abilities.
- Pawol's promotion was announced during a conference call with MLB officials.
- Before umpiring, Pawol was a standout softball player at Hofstra and an NCAA umpire.
- Her achievement follows similar milestones in the NBA, NFL, and men's soccer World Cup, but the NHL has yet to have a female on-ice official.