MLB names first woman to umpire a regular-season major league game

Driving the news: MLB said Wednesday that Pawol, a Minor League Umpire since 2016, will work the bases in both games of Saturday's doubleheader.

• She is one of 17 current Triple-A call-up umpires eligible to substitute in Major League games.
• The doubleheader necessitated adding a fifth umpire to the crew, since each home plate umpire skips the other game they're not working.

What they're saying: "This historic accomplishment in baseball is a reflection of Jen's hard work, dedication and love of the game," Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. said in a statement.

• "She has earned this opportunity, and we are proud of the strong example she has set, particularly for all the women and young girls who aspire to roles on the field."
• Pawol said last year, "This is a viable career becoming a professional umpire – men and women, girls and boys. I didn't know that the first several years when I got into umpiring in amateur ball for 10 years."

Context: Pawol has climbed the umpiring ranks since starting her pro career in Rookie ball in 2016.

• She reached Triple-A in 2023, becoming the first female umpire at that level in 34 years.
• She was the home-plate ump for the Triple-A Championship that September.

The intrigue: Upon hearing the news, the Jackie Robinson Foundation sent out a public congratulation to Pawol.

• "The Jackie Robinson Museum offers a heartfelt congratulations to Jen Pawol," the foundation posted on Instagram.
• "The trailblazing legacies of Jackie and Rachel Robinson live on through those who continue the fight for equality in today's game."

Flashback: Pamela Postema became the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball spring training game in 1988.

• Houston Astros pitcher Bob Knepper drew national attention after he said women shouldn't umpire games and that it conflicted with his Biblical views.
• Knepper said he held no personal animosity toward Postema but believed women shouldn't serve as umpires because they shouldn't have authority over men.

Between the lines: The move comes as MLB faces uncertainty about its diversity initiatives and the immigration status of international players.

• Earlier this year, MLB removed the word "diversity" from its MLB Careers home page in reaction to the executive order ending "equal opportunity" for people of color and women in recruiting.

Go deeper: MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson Day amid DEI uncertainty