Jen Pawol Set to Make History as Major League Baseball's First Female Umpire
In a groundbreaking move for gender equality in sports officiating, Jen Pawol is poised to become Major League Baseball's first female umpire. The 47-year-old New Jersey native has been selected to work a full-time big league spring training schedule this year, marking a significant step towards her milestone achievement of umpiring a regular-season big league baseball game.
Although the official announcement of Pawol's spring training assignment will be made later, sources familiar with the decision revealed the news to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. This historic move by MLB comes 27 years after the NBA broke the gender barrier for game officials, nine years after the NFL followed suit, and two years after the FIFA Women's World Cup employed a female referee.
Pawol's journey towards breaking this glass ceiling began in earnest when she attended an umpire camp in Binghamton, New York, in early 2015. It was there where she first caught the attention of Ted Barrett, a veteran big league umpire who encouraged her to pursue a career in officiating. Barrett expressed confidence that Pawol wouldn't face any discomfort from players or managers, stating that the major leagues have progressed to a point where individuals are judged solely on their umpiring abilities rather than their gender.
Pawol's umpiring career took off in 2016 when she joined the ranks of minor league umpires. Over the years, she worked her way up through the system, eventually reaching the highest minor league level in 2021. Notably, Pawol served as the home plate umpire for the Triple-A Championship game, further solidifying her credentials for a major league opportunity.
Currently, MLB employs 76 full-time staff umpires, who are occasionally supplemented by fill-ins for vacancies caused by injuries and vacations. In the previous year, 26 umpires were assigned full spring training schedules, with 21 of them included in the in-season call-up list. This call-up group collectively handled an impressive 1,590 assignments, demonstrating the depth of talent within the umpiring profession.
Umpires, due to the nature of their jobs, often encounter intense scrutiny and confrontation from players and managers. Ted Barrett acknowledged that the transition to the major leagues presents a new learning curve for any umpire but expressed confidence that Pawol would be able to adapt to these challenges. He also pointed out that as older umpires retire, there will be increased opportunities for new umpires to make their mark in the league.
Pawol joins a select group of women who have officiated minor league games, including Bernice Gera, Christine Wren, Pam Postema, and Ria Cortesio. This season, nine women are scheduled to work in the minor leagues. Ria Cortesio, who last worked a big league spring training game in 2007, held the distinction as the most recent woman to do so.
Before her umpiring career, Pawol displayed her athletic prowess as an all-state softball and soccer player at West Milford High School in New Jersey. She continued her softball career at Hofstra University on a scholarship, earning three all-conference selections and leaving a lasting impact on their program. Additionally, Pawol played for the USA Baseball Women's national baseball team in 2001, showcasing her talent and passion for the game.
After umpiring NCAA softball games from 2010 to 2016, Pawol's career path took a significant turn when she was approached by several big league umpires, including Ted Barrett. Following an MLB tryout camp in Cincinnati, Pawol was offered a position in the Gulf Coast League in 2016. She steadily climbed the ranks, attaining assignments in various minor league leagues until finally reaching the brink of her historic accomplishment.
Jen Pawol's imminent breakthrough as Major League Baseball's first female umpire highlights the momentum towards inclusivity and equal representation in sports officiating. Her dedication, skill, and determination have propelled her to this remarkable point in her career. As Pawol prepares for her spring training assignment and potentially an unforgettable regular-season debut, her journey stands as an inspiration to aspiring officials across the globe.
