Jen Pawol is on the brink of making history. She’s eyeing the title of Major League Baseball’s first female umpire. At 47, she’s not just dreaming; she’s stepping into the role of a full-time MLB umpire during spring training in 2024. This news comes straight from the MLB’s own announcements.
It’s a big deal, really. Twenty-four minor league umpires got the nod to step up for spring training. And it’s about time, considering the NBA and NFL have been ahead of the curve with female officials for ages.
Since 2016, Pawol’s been in the trenches of the minor leagues. Her journey’s been nothing short of impressive, culminating as the home plate umpire at the Triple-A Championship game in 2023. That’s no small feat.
MLB’s got a roster of 76 full-timers, plus a bench ready to jump in for any curveballs life throws. Last season, 26 umpires got to show their skills during spring training. And guess what? All 21 who got called up during the season had their moment in the regular season sun. One even clocked in at 149 games.
Pawol’s part of an elite crew. As of 2022, she’s one of just nine women who’ve broken into minor league umpiring. She’s walking the path blazed by pioneers like Bernice Gera and Pam Postema. And in 2024, she won’t be alone. Nine women are set to don the umpire’s uniform in the minor leagues.
Before the big leagues called, Pawol was ruling NCAA softball fields from 2010 to 2016. Her MLB journey kicked off at a tryout camp in August 2015. That led her to the Umpire Training Academy, and eventually, to the Gulf Coast League in 2016. Her resume now spans several leagues, from the New York/Penn League to the prestigious Triple-A International and Pacific Coast Leagues in 2023.
So, here’s to Jen Pawol. She’s not just breaking barriers; she’s setting a new standard. And who knows? Maybe she’ll inspire a whole new generation to follow in her footsteps.
