The Miami, Florida baseball scene is about to witness a historic moment as Jen Pawol, the first female umpire to reach Triple-A in over 30 years, takes on major-league spring training games this season. Pawol’s promotion also includes becoming a Triple-A crew chief, a new role that brings her one step closer to her goal of umpiring a regular-season MLB game as early as 2024.
Having started her career in the Gulf Coast League in 2016, Pawol’s journey to the top has been marked by steady progression. Now, at 47, she is set to umpire in her first big-league spring training game in West Palm Beach on Feb. 24, based in the Jupiter area.
While the road to this achievement has been filled with challenges for female umpires in professional baseball, Pawol remains undeterred. She credits former female umpires like Ria Cortesio and Pam Postema as mentors, and she has received overwhelming support from fans and colleagues. Additionally, she acknowledges the importance of her new responsibility as a Triple-A crew chief, understanding the significance of this promotion in her career trajectory.
Despite the historical implications of her success, Pawol remains focused on her job, emphasizing the need to consistently make the right calls on the field. Her dedication and hard work, as noted by her crew chief Jonathan Ortega, have set her on a path to make an indelible mark in the history of baseball umpiring.
Pawol’s story is not just one of personal triumph, but also a testament to the evolving landscape of professional sports. As the only female umpire above Class A in professional baseball last year, she has made significant strides in breaking barriers and paving the way for future female officials in the sport.
With her unwavering determination and groundbreaking accomplishments, Pawol’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring umpires and athletes alike. Her upcoming participation in major-league spring training games not only marks a personal milestone, but also a significant moment in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality and diversity in professional sports.