At Saturday’s first game of a split doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and the Miami Marlins, Jen Pawol made history as the first woman to umpire a regular-season game in baseball’s major leagues. The fans quickly made their feelings clear, giving the new umpire a rousing reception and displaying signs that showed their support. Pawol's first real test came in the third inning when she called Murphy safe on a close play. Replays indicated Murphy may have been out, but Marlins manager Clayton McCullough didn’t challenge the call. Later in the inning, when Miami's Xavier Edwards grounded into a double play, Pawol pumped her fist and lifted her leg when she called Edwards out at the first base bag. Pawol couldn't help but notice her debut was being watched closely. Fans responded with a warm ovation when the video board focused on the umpire between innings, forcing her to take a quick glance at her image. There was much anticipation for her historic debut. A crowd of photographers gathered while waiting for the umpires to walk onto the field from their entry ramp near the Marlins' dugout. Pawol, 48, has been working in the minor leagues since she was assigned to the Gulf Coast League in 2016. Her rise to MLB history came 28 years after the gender barrier for NBA game officials was broken and 10 years after the NFL hired its first woman as a full-time official. The NHL has not had any women as on-ice officials.
