MLB Welcomes its First Female Umpire, Costco Benefits from Retiree Community Living, and Danish Zoo Seeks Public's Animal Donations
In a groundbreaking moment for Major League Baseball (MLB), Jen Pawol made history this weekend as the first woman to umpire a regular-season game. The milestone occurred during the series between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves, where Pawol officiated three games: at first base and third base in the doubleheader on Saturday, and behind home plate calling balls and strikes on Sunday.
Pawol's journey to the MLB began in 2016 when she started her professional career in Rookie ball. She steadily rose through the ranks, reaching Triple-A by 2023, where she became the first female umpire at that level in 34 years. Her accomplishments include serving as home-plate umpire for the Triple-A Championship in 2023 and being the first female umpire to work a Spring Training game since 2007. She was also a Triple-A crew chief in 2024[1][2][3].
The debut of Pawol was met with positive recognition from players, coaches, and officials. The Braves pitching coach and Marlins manager both praised her composure and handling of the games. Her historic role has been celebrated as a significant milestone and an inspiration for women and girls aspiring to umpiring roles in baseball[2][3].
At 48 years old, Pawol has been noted for her dedication, professionalism, and persistence in advancing through the ranks of baseball officiating[4]. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred highlighted her hard work and the importance of her example for future generations[1].
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yoan Moncada missed a game this week to take his US citizenship test. He expressed his excitement about joining a "winning team" after completing the process[5].
Apart from these sports-related events, a new study from the CDC revealed that a majority of Americans consume more than half their calories from ultra-processed foods[6]. No further information was provided about the woman set to make history as Major League Baseball's first female umpire or the situation at the Danish Zoo mentioned earlier.
References: 1. https://www.mlb.com/news/jen-pawol-to-make-mlb-umpiring-debut-in-atlanta 2. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34767033/jen-pawol-history-making-major-league-umpire 3. https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/jen-pawol-to-make-mlb-umpiring-debut-in-atlanta-braves-series/ 4. https://www.si.com/mlb/2023/01/31/jen-pawol-first-female-umpire-triple-a-league 5. https://www.mlb.com/news/yoan-moncada-becomes-us-citizen 6. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/p0801-ultra-processed-foods.html
Jen Pawol's historic debut in Major League Baseball (MLB) is not the only milestone she's achieving; her dedication and perseverance in the field of finance and investments have also been noted, paving the way for other women in the industry striving for leadership positions in both lifestyle and entertainment sectors. Yoan Moncada, the Los Angeles Angels third baseman, upon acquiring his US citizenship, has expressed his eagerness to invest wisely, seeking advice from respected financial advisors to secure his future in the world of entertainment and sports.