Jen Pawol has etched her name in the annals of sports history by becoming the first female umpire to officiate a Major League Baseball (MLB) game during the regular season. This groundbreaking milestone occurred during Saturday's game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves, where Pawol took charge of first base duties.
Pawol, visibly emotional and excited by the historical significance of her role, remarked, "I'm aware of the gravity. I'm aware of the magnitude." As she stepped onto the Atlanta field, she was greeted with a standing ovation and cheering from the crowd. "It was pretty amazing when we took the field. Quite a few people started clapping and saying my name," she added, reflecting on the emotional atmosphere.
Support for her groundbreaking presence was evident among the spectators, who held up signs such as "Pawol making HERstory" and "the time has come for one & all to play ball." After the game, Pawol honored the moment by donating her game hat to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Pawol, a New Jersey native, has devoted over 30 years to officiating, with experience in more than 1,200 minor league games. She is set to officiate third base on Saturday night and will take on the role of home plate umpire in the series finale on Sunday, making her the center of attention once again.
Pawol's landmark appointment comes nearly three decades after the NBA appointed its first female referee and follows similar advancements in the NFL and soccer. However, the NHL has yet to see a woman officiate a game, highlighting the ongoing journey toward gender parity in sports officiating across various leagues.
Pawol, visibly emotional and excited by the historical significance of her role, remarked, "I'm aware of the gravity. I'm aware of the magnitude." As she stepped onto the Atlanta field, she was greeted with a standing ovation and cheering from the crowd. "It was pretty amazing when we took the field. Quite a few people started clapping and saying my name," she added, reflecting on the emotional atmosphere.
Support for her groundbreaking presence was evident among the spectators, who held up signs such as "Pawol making HERstory" and "the time has come for one & all to play ball." After the game, Pawol honored the moment by donating her game hat to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Pawol, a New Jersey native, has devoted over 30 years to officiating, with experience in more than 1,200 minor league games. She is set to officiate third base on Saturday night and will take on the role of home plate umpire in the series finale on Sunday, making her the center of attention once again.
Pawol's landmark appointment comes nearly three decades after the NBA appointed its first female referee and follows similar advancements in the NFL and soccer. However, the NHL has yet to see a woman officiate a game, highlighting the ongoing journey toward gender parity in sports officiating across various leagues.
