For the first time since 2007, Jen Pawol makes history as the first woman to umpire a spring game

Jen Pawol made history by becoming the first woman to umpire a major league spring training contest in eight years. Her debut took place at the Grapefruit League opener between the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of The Palm Beaches. After the game, Pawol expressed her appreciation for the welcoming attitude of everyone on the field and the enthusiasm displayed by fans. She is scheduled to work other spring training games in Palm Beach County over the next few weeks, but no woman has ever been assigned to umpire a regular-season game in the majors. Despite this, Pawol is committed to putting her all into her work and preparing for the next day. She believes that becoming a professional umpire is a viable career for both men and women, and she is determined to succeed in this field. Crew chief Lance Barksdale commended Pawol for her performance and encouraged her not to put extra pressure on herself in future games.