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."
No comments:
Post a Comment