Jen Pawol Makes History as First Female Umpire in Major League Baseball
ATLANTA – This weekend at Truist Park, Jen Pawol will not only step onto the field but also into the history books as the first woman to umpire a regular-season Major League Baseball (MLB) game. She will officiate the bases during Game 1 of the doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and the Miami Marlins on Saturday, followed by her debut behind home plate for the series finale on Sunday.
Pawol received the exciting news while in a Nashville hotel room on Wednesday, and her reaction was filled with emotion. "I was overcome with emotion," she shared with the Associated Press. "It was incredible to finally realize that phone call I had been hoping for and working towards for so long. I feel like a fully charged battery, ready to go."
A Long Journey to the Big Leagues
Pawol’s path to this historic moment has been anything but straightforward. She began her umpiring career in 2016 at the Rookie level after years of officiating NCAA softball. Since then, she has steadily climbed the ranks through the minor leagues, including the New York-Penn League, Midwest League, South Atlantic League, Double-A, and Triple-A, where she made history in 2023 by becoming the first woman to officiate at that level in 34 years, even working its championship game.
"This journey has included over 1,200 minor league games and countless hours of video review to improve my skills," Pawol explained. "At the core, it’s always been about my passion and love for baseball. My journey started as a catcher and has evolved into a deep-seated commitment to umpiring. It’s in my DNA, and it’s been a challenging yet rewarding experience."
Pawol’s journey began in high school when she was introduced to umpiring by a friend. "I remember making just $15 a game, and I had no idea what I was doing, but I was hooked," she recalled.
Overcoming Challenges and Paving the Way for Future Generations
Despite facing challenges along the way, including a warning from veteran umpire Ted Barrett during a 2015 tryout camp that it could take up to a decade in the minors before reaching the major leagues, Pawol persevered. "I told her what she was up against," Barrett said. "It’s going to be 10 years in the minor leagues before you even get a sniff of a big league field."
Pawol’s promotion to the MLB marks a significant milestone, making her the third female official in the "Big Four" professional sports leagues, following Violet Palmer’s NBA debut in 1997 and Sarah Thomas’ NFL debut in 2015, who later officiated Super Bowl LV.
A Celebration of Achievement and Support
This weekend, Pawol will have a strong support system, with about 30 family members and friends attending her historic debut. Fellow trailblazers like Christine Wren, Pam Postema, and Ria Cortesio have reached out to congratulate her on this achievement. Pawol fondly recalls a conversation with Postema, who encouraged her to "Get it done!" – a promise Pawol has now fulfilled.
In an age where achievements can sometimes be overshadowed by token gestures, Jen Pawol’s story is a testament to hard work and determination. She has endured the grind of minor league life, from long bus rides to sweltering summer days, and her debut represents a significant step forward for women in sports.
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