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Liam Griffin

Liam Griffin

lgriffin@washingtontimes.com

Liam Griffin is a sports reporter for The Washington Times. A graduate of George Mason University, he previously covered local news for Patch in northern Virginia. He can be reached at lgriffin@washigntontimes.com.

Articles by Liam Griffin

Umpire Jen Pawol, second from left, stands with fellow umpires Edwin Jimenez (75), Ryan Additon and Lance Barksdale, right, just prior to the start of a spring training baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. Pawol took a big step toward breaking the gender barrier for Major League Baseball umpires when she became the first woman in 17 years to work a big league spring training game Saturday night. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

First female MLB umpire in 17 years debuts at spring training

t's normally a bad omen when an umpire steals a headline -- but Jen Pawol broke a barrier when she took the field for Saturday's game between the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros. She became the first woman to umpire an MLB game since 2007.

February 25, 2024
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Patrick Corbin, center, hands the ball to manager Dave Martinez, right, while being pulled for a reliever during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Nationals open spring training with eyes on young talent

Sizzling fastballs and the "pop" of mitts emerged from hibernation Wednesday as pitchers and catchers began spring training with the Washington Nationals in Florida, where manager Dave Martinez told reporters he's looking forward to seeing a promising crop of young minor leaguers and draft picks step up.

February 14, 2024