- The Washington Times - Sunday, February 25, 2024

t’s normally a bad omen when an umpire steals a headline — but Jen Pawol broke a barrier when she took the field for Saturday’s game between the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros. She became the first woman to umpire an MLB game since 2007. 

The 47-year-old has worked as a minor league umpire in the past. This year, Pawol is one of 24 minor league umpires who will work a full schedule during spring training. 

“Tonight was very, very special. Both managers shared congratulations, [they were] welcoming, enthusiastic,” the former softball player said after Saturday’s game. “The players on the field, so many said ‘congrats’ and ‘great to see you out here.”

A woman has never called balls and strikes during a regular season MLB game — though there have been nine female umpires in the minor leagues. 

“Tomorrow I get to get out there and do it all over again,” Pawol said. “That’s my next job. Anybody in baseball will tell you to keep it simple and work hard, put your all into it and get ready for the next day.”

When the regular season begins, Pawol could be included as one of 76 full-time MLB umpires. In 2023, 21 of the 26 umpires with full-time spring training schedules premiered in the majors. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.

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