There was a standing ovation upon the appearance…For the first time in 150 years, please send a heavy message

Aug 10, 2025

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"I know the weight of this moment well."

Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, USA on the 10th (Korea time) when the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves faced off.

When a referee appeared ahead of the start of the game, fans who visited the ballpark shouted their names.

MLB.COM, the official website of the U.S. Major League Baseball, said 'It is rare for a referee to receive a standing ovation in the stands when introducing players. Jen Powell, 48, is a character who symbolizes speciality.

Powell is the first female referee in 150 years since the creation of the National League in 1876.

Powell, who has been a softball referee for the NCAA since 2010, has been a referee since 2016. Powell, who started at the rookie level, participated in major league exhibition games last year and this year, and finally made his big league debut as a referee. Powell, who came to the first base in the first game of the doubleheader on the day, had a third base in the second game. On the 11th, he will be on the ground as the referee.

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Powell said "I felt real when I came out on the field. Before the game, the umpires walked the field together, and they looked at each other with fellow umpire Chris Guccioni and said 'We've been working on this for a while now. After the last pitch check in the top of the ninth inning, we hugged each other, and I realized it once again."

Powell continued "It's just amazing. My dream became a reality today. I think I'm still living in that moment. Thank you to my family and MLB for creating such a wonderful environment, and thank you to all the judges I work with. We have a wonderful fellowship, and we are working hard and enjoying ourselves" he said.

He also recalled the moment when he was assigned for the first time to a major league game. Powell said "I was thrilled to receive the long-awaited call. I felt like I was charged with energy all over my body."

MLB.COM highlighted that it is not the first time Powell has made a name in major league history. Powell was the first female referee in the 2023 Triple-A Championship, and in 2024 was the female referee in Major League Spring camp games since 2007'

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The umpire hat Powell wore on the day will be sent to the U.S. Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Powell left a message for those dreaming of future female judges. Powell says "Just do it. And you need perseverance and determination to hold on to the end. It's not a one-night road, it's not a one-time promotion road. Many people give up in the middle, but it's important to get to the end. Make friends and have fun and go for it."

Powell continued "I am well aware of the weight of this moment. I believe it will be a good representative thing to send the message that 'this is possible' to both girls and women, and even boys and men.'"