First Female Umpire in Major League Baseball
For the first time since Pam Postema in 1989, a woman is calling the plays in the game of baseball. Ria Cortesio became the first female umpire to work a major league exhibition game last Thursday as she made calls on the bases during games between the Chicago Cubs and the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Ria had hoped to sneak into the game and blend in with the other officials, but that just didn’t happen. The game itself was rather ordinary, but several folks took notice of the new female umpire on the field. By Thursday afternoon, the sports world was buzzing with the news.
The very first woman to break into pro baseball was Bernice Gera, who became the first female umpire on June 25, 1972. There have been other female umpires over the years, but Cortesio is the first to crack the major leagues. At age 30, Ria Cortesio is no newbie to the game. She has a nine year career that includes five years in Double-A action.
The response to Cortesio has been very positive so far among fans and players alike. Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee was quoted as saying “It’s awesome. I think it’s about time. Female eyes are as good as male eyes. Why can’t they be umpires? Good for her.”
Well stated, Derrek! I hope this continues to be a positive shift for women in sports. To honor this achievement, I am adding a new umpire design to the Girls Can’t WHAT? Gift Shop. Special thanks to Kristen over at The Golfchick for emailing the heads up on this story.
PS – If anyone can get me in touch with Ria, I have a complimentary Girls Can’t WHAT? umpire shirt waiting for her. 
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gretchen
Update: My sister was able to find contact info for Ria… message sent.
Janet
I love this! I umpire little league baseball, ages 5-14 and I’m the only woman official in two different parks! Thanks for such a great design!!!:d/
gretchen
Thanks – I have sold several of these, so you’re not the only female ump out there.
Kate
There’s a website for girls and women who umpire. Ria is a member of this growing community, as are three other women who have umpired professional baseball either in the independent or affiliated leagues, as well as women who have umpired college baseball, the international baseball, high school baseball, and other levels. All are welcome in the community, especially women and girls with an interest in umpiring. Check it out at http://www.grassceiling.wetpaint.com–soon to be at http://www.womenumpiringbaseball.com!
critter
Now i am an umpire as well. I am just sad that mlb didn’t allow her to come. I am proud of what women have done.
When i left litte leauge i was tranning a mom of her son how to umpire.
Litte leauge got me upset and mad so i left and i am doing another side to umpire which is baberuth/calripken. i also get paid.
chris local youth umpire nh
Nickie
Go Ria! It’s about time us gals get in the MLB! Just google Jackie Mitchell, the girl who struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Go to my blog at coolkidcorner.blogspot.com to read about female baseball action!