BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) — Jen Pawol broke barriers in August when she became the first woman umpire in Major League Baseball history.
Before Jen Pawol made history in the majors, she dreamed of being an art teacher.
She pursued that dream after moving to Conklin in the mid 2000s and later taught in the Maine-Endwell School District.
But in 2006, Pawol began umpiring baseball and softball games in Endicott.
After more than two years of teaching, she put down the paintbrush and stepped behind home plate full-time, eventually working her way through the minor leagues before debuting in the majors in August.
The rest is now history.
“It really warms my heart to see the city of Binghamton creating so many opportunities for girls and women to play, coach and umpire at all level,” Pawol said.
On Tuesday, Pawol was honored at Mirabito Stadium for her incredible milestone.
She received the keys to the city from Mayor Jared Kraham, and County Executive Jason Garnar declared Oct. 7, 2025, Jen Pawol Day in Broome County.
“I do think, Jen, that you will be a role model because having someone who persevered, who found a goal she wanted to achieve and did everything she could,” Kraham said.
Pawol reflected on her time in the Southern Tier and left the crowd with this message.
“Keep chasing your dreams, follow your heart, find your passion and work hard,” Pawol said. “Dream big and don’t stop until you get where you want to go.”
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