Born: 1954 (Willard, Ohio)
Biography:
Pam Postema is a former American baseball umpire who made significant contributions to the game and broke barriers for women in the field. She was born in April 1954 in Willard, Ohio. Postema’s love for the game began at a young age, and she aspired to become a professional umpire.
Postema’s journey to becoming an umpire was not without its challenges. In 1976, she applied to the Al Somers Umpire School in Florida (now the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School) but faced initial rejection. Undeterred, she submitted three applications before finally being accepted. Despite graduating seventeenth in her class, Postema struggled to find a job for three months after graduation.
In 1977, Postema received a job offer in the rookie Gulf Coast League, marking the beginning of her professional career. She spent two years there before umpiring in both Class A and Double-A, making her the first woman to officiate at those levels. Her skill and dedication earned her a promotion to Triple-A baseball in the Pacific Coast League.
During her six years at the Triple-A level, Postema made a significant impact on the game. Many players held her in high regard for her impartiality and professionalism. However, her presence also faced resistance from some players who were not accustomed to having a female umpire on the field.
Postema’s career reached a turning point in 1988 when Baseball Commissioner Bart Giamatti offered her a contract to officiate at the Major League Baseball level during spring training. This historic moment made her the first female baseball umpire to officiate a professional game at such a high level. Giamatti’s offer also extended to umpiring the prestigious Hall of Fame Game between the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves, further solidifying her standing as a capable umpire.
Tragically, Postema’s aspirations were cut short when Giamatti passed away in 1989. Without his support, she never received the opportunity to umpire in the major leagues. This setback led to the cancellation of her contract with the Triple-A Alliance in December 1989. In response, Postema filed a sex-discrimination lawsuit at the federal level, firmly asserting her belief that she deserved the chance to officiate in the major leagues based on her skills and abilities, rather than her gender.
Postema’s determination and perseverance inspired many others in the baseball community. Her story shed light on the gender disparities that existed in professional sports at the time and helped pave the way for future female umpires. Despite the obstacles she faced, Postema’s impact on the game and her dedication to breaking barriers will forever be remembered.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Baseball Reliquary’s Shrine of the Eternals in 2000.