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ATLANTA — Baseball fans rarely find themselves applauding an umpire, but that changed on Saturday at the Braves-Marlins game. When the stadium announcer introduced the umpire crew, the crowd erupted in cheers as Jen Pawol took her place at first base, making history as the first female umpire in Major League Baseball history.
“My dream came true, it actually came true today,” Pawol said after the Braves’ 7-1 victory over the Marlins in the first game of a doubleheader. “I’m still living in the moment, and I’m extremely grateful to my family, Major League Baseball for providing such an amazing work environment, and to the umpires I work with. We have a fantastic camaraderie. We work hard, but we also have fun. I am just so thankful.”
FILE – Home plate umpire Jen Pawol takes her position during the first inning of a spring training baseball game between the Houston Astros and Miami Marlins Sunday, March 10, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
From the moment Pawol stepped onto the field, the Atlanta crowd showed her how much the occasion meant.
“It felt like a lot of people started clapping and saying my name,” she recalled. “It was pretty intense and very emotional.”
Witnessing this historic moment drew fans from all over, including those who bought last-minute tickets upon learning of Pawol’s call-up. One longtime Braves fan, Karen Schulz, held a sign that read “We r all dreamers. Go Jen!” Schulz likened this moment to when she watched Hank Aaron break Babe Ruth’s career home run record on her “tiny TV” in 1974.
“I think this represents the best of who we are as Americans,” Schulz told OutKick. “It’s the American dream. A little girl or boy grows up with a dream, works hard, and receives support from the community. They train hard, earn their spot. She faced numerous obstacles, but she persisted. After ten years or longer in the minors, she’s here. We need to celebrate.”
Another fan, Rodell Poole, donned an umpire jersey in Pawol’s honor at the game.
“This is unprecedented, and something that should have happened a long time ago,” Poole said. “I’m glad it happened here in Atlanta, and we need to show our support and encourage her to have a successful career.”
Some attendees knew Pawol long before she made national headlines. Ed Novy, a fellow umpire and friend of Pawol for nearly 15 years, traveled from New Jersey at the last minute when she received the call-up.
“She’s always been excellent at this,” Novy said. “She’s dedicated, hardworking, and obviously very talented. I am incredibly thrilled and proud of her, to call her a friend and witness her success.”
Umpire Jen Pawol calls a strike during a spring training game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium on March 16, 2024 in Jupiter, Florida. (Rich Storry/Getty Images)
The players also found inspiration in Pawol’s historic moment. Braves starting pitcher Hurston Waldrep, who had crossed paths with Pawol in Triple-A ball, described it as “really cool” to see her in the big leagues.
“I can’t imagine how challenging her journey was to get here,” Waldrep said. “Everyone probably told her it was impossible. They made a big deal out of it, as they should. That’s pretty cool for her.”
Braves manager Brian Snitker measured Pawol’s debut by the same standard he uses for catchers: “If you leave the ballpark, and you don’t remember who the catcher is, they probably did a really good job.” The same goes for the umpires, he added.
On a more serious note, Snitker added: “Anytime anybody perseveres through the minor leagues… I don’t care who it is, sticking it out and grinding through a career like that, enduring the travel and challenges. I am happy for anyone who achieves their dream.”
MLB umpire Jen Pawol walks on the field during an MLB spring training game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Miami Marlins at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 16, 2024 in Jupiter, Florida. (Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Pawol expressed her gratitude for the support from the umpiring community, fans, and the trailblazing women who paved the way for her. Now, it’s back to work. Pawol will serve as the third-base umpire in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader before taking her place at home plate for the series finale on Sunday.
“We need to get out there now. We have a job to do and calls to make,” Pawol said. “My dream came true today, and it has been incredible.”
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