Jen Pawol set to make MLB history by becoming first female umpire at spring training games

Jen Pawol is set to become just the third woman to get behind the baseball plate at the major level as she gets selected for umpire duties during the Spring training 2024.

Jen Pawol set to make MLB history by becoming first female umpire at spring training games

Jen Pawol (Image via Herald Review)

As the countdown for the 2024 Major League Baseball season rolls on, there seems to be some interesting update in officiating department. Umpire Jen Pawol has been assigned to officiate games at the upcoming spring training.

This appearance would take her one step closer to becoming an umpire during a regular season game. The 47-year-old official will now be the first female umpire at the spring training games since Ria Cortesio did so in 2007.

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So far, Pawol has made it to the Triple-A. Just like players, umpires can be called upon to the MLB in case of sudden leaves and injuries.

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Speaking about this massive opportunity, Pawol claimed it was a “big deal” for her.

For any umpire, working in the pro system, this is a big, big deal. This means so much. It's the culmination of a lot of innings. I've probably put in about 1,000 professional games at this point.
Jen Pawol on her chance to umpire in Spring training as per ESPN.

According to reports from ESPN, Pawol was a softball player at Hofstra before she took the role of an umpire. She would start working as a softball umpire before moving up the ranks. Now the official stands on the verge of history. It would be interesting to see how she performs during this spring training games.

When is the MLB Spring training kicking off?

As the MLB offseason rolls on, fans are eagerly looking forward to the start of the new season. However, just like every year, teams will first meet each other in the spring training. This leads to the next big question, when is the MLB Spring Training kicking off?

Mookie Betts and Fernando Tatis Jr.
The Dodgers and Padres will kick off the Spring training (Image via San Diego Union-Tribune)

The first game of the Spring training will begin in Seoul, South Korea on February 22, 2024 when the Los Angeles Dodgers meet the San Diego Padres. The two National League West rivals will play two games against each other in Phoenix, Arizona.

This two rivals will then lock horns with each other once again in March when they face off in Seoul, South Korea. After this, they will return back to US and finish off their spring training.

The fans are now eager for the spring training to begin. This games gives them the chance to see some of their new recruits try to gel together with the team. After this one-month of action, teams will return to their home and get ready for season opener on March 28.

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