Jen Pawol: A ‘Fully Charged’ Trailblazer Poised to Break Gender Barriers in the Big Leagues

Jen Pawol was in her hotel room in Nashville when she received a life-changing call. She was set to make her major league debut, becoming the first female umpire in over 150 years of MLB history.

“I was completely overwhelmed,” Pawol shared days before her historic game. “After all this time and effort, it felt surreal to finally get that call. I felt energized, like a fully charged battery ready to go.”

Reflecting on her past, Pawol remembered a pivotal moment back in high school. During a summer chat, her friend Lauren Rissmeyer asked her, “Want to come umpire with me?” Without hesitation, Pawol agreed. “If Lauren’s doing it, I’m in,” she thought. At the time, she earned just $15 per game.

“I had no idea what I was doing, but I was hooked right then,” she laughed, recalling how she and Lauren divided the fields and took turns umpiring.

Fast forward to her recognition as a three-time all-conference softball player at Hofstra University after graduating in 1995. Her journey continued as she officiated NCAA softball from 2010 to 2016. A casual encounter at a camp with MLB umpire Ted Barrett changed everything for her. “She was unlike any other female umpire I’d met,” Barrett noted. “She had a great physical presence and a willingness to learn.”

Barrett encouraged Pawol to attend professional camps, giving her a realistic view of the long road ahead. “It might take ten years in the minor leagues before you get noticed,” he cautioned.

Pawol proved her determination by participating in the Umpire Training Academy in Florida. She began her professional career in June 2016 and steadily climbed the ranks. Her years in the minors included over 1,200 games and countless hours of feedback aimed at improving her skills. Pawol believes her passion for baseball fuels her drive. “This journey has been tough, but umpiring is in my DNA,” she said.

As one of eight female umpires currently in the minors, she is excited to join Chris Guccione’s crew in Atlanta. About 30 friends and family will cheer her on during her first games. “This is a big step not just for me, but for everyone who comes after,” she expressed.

Pawol’s story resonates on social media, fueling discussions on equality in sports. Many young women are inspired to pursue careers in baseball, feeling that barriers are breaking down.

Barrett hopes her achievement will inspire the next generation. “I want a young girl to watch and think, ‘I can do that!’” he said. The journey continues to unfold, and Pawol is determined to leave her mark.

For anyone curious about the role of women in baseball, you can check out more statistics and insights at [MLB’s official website](https://www.mlb.com). This exciting moment beckons a new era in baseball—one where talent knows no gender.

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