Jen Pawol became the first female umpire for Major League Baseball (MLB) when she refereed a regular-season game between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves on Saturday. The 48-year-old umpire, who has been officiating games in the minor leagues for over three decades, took to the pitch in a historic moment for women’s sports.
Pawol was warmly welcomed by cheers and a standing ovation from the crowd, with supporters holding signs that read “Pawol making HERstory” and “the time has come for one & all to play ball”. She made her mark as the game’s first base umpire and is set to continue her journey in the league, taking on third base this weekend.
A lifelong baseball fan from New Jersey, Pawol has worked tirelessly in the minor leagues, overseeing over 1,200 games throughout her 30-year career. Her milestone moment marks a significant step forward for women’s sports, following similar milestones achieved by female referees in basketball (28 years ago), football (10 years ago), and soccer (three years ago).
Pawol has donated the hat she wore during the game to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, marking an unforgettable moment in her career. A proud advocate for women’s sports, Pawol will be behind home plate next Sunday as part of a three-game series with Atlanta Braves.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62wg6djz35o