Jen Pawol has become the first female umpire to officiate a Major League Baseball (MLB) game during the regular season, making US sporting history.
Pawol, 48, oversaw first base during the match between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves on Saturday.
“I’m aware of the gravity. I’m aware of the magnitude,” she stated, as reported by MLB.com.
Pawol was welcomed onto the pitch in Atlanta, Georgia, with cheers and a standing ovation. She described the experience as “pretty amazing” and “intense” after the game, when fans in the stands held signs such as “Pawol making HERstory” and “the time has come for one & all to play ball.”
To commemorate the occasion, Pawol donated the hat she wore to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum after the match. She is set to return to the field on Saturday night, in charge of third base, and will be behind home plate calling balls and strikes in the final match of the three-game series.
Pawol, a native of New Jersey, has worked as an umpire in the minor leagues for over 30 years, overseeing more than 1,200 games. Family and friends, including current players, managers, and umpires, were present to support her.
Pawol’s breakthrough comes 28 years after the NBA welcomed its first female basketball referee. The National Football League (NFL) hired its first female official 10 years ago, while men’s soccer’s World Cup featured a female referee three years ago. However, the National Hockey League has yet to have a female referee.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62wg6djz35o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
