For the third consecutive year, the 2026 Maria Pepe Little League Baseball® Legacy Series: A Girls with Game® Experience featured an all-female umpire crew, emphasizing the importance of creating space for female umpires on a baseball or softball diamond. Not only do these women call countless balls and strikes, but they also serve as role models for the next generation of young female Little Leaguers®.
During the two-day-long tournament, Little League® sat down with two of the umpires – Meg Blome and Rachael Pauwels – for a “Full-Count Conversation” to hear about their experience and gain insight into what it means to step onto the field.
1-0 Count: What inspired you to become an umpire?
Meg Blome (MB): “I grew up playing Little League, and I really wanted to give back somehow. In the fall of 2020, I started volunteer scorekeeping for my local league. Plus, I’m a professor, so I enjoy dealing with students and kids. Combining my passions, I decided I wanted to start umpiring, so I spoke with our league official, and he told me to come to training and that I would eventually be given a shot. It turns out, I loved it.”
Rachael Pauwels (RP): “Growing up, I always loved sports and spent as much time as possible playing games and being outdoors. Athletics taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, dedication, and competition, and those experiences stayed with me throughout my life. As a teacher, I was looking for a meaningful way to spend my summer breaks. I initially tried teaching summer school, but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. That is when I decided to give umpiring a try and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. Umpiring has allowed me to stay connected to the games I love while continuing to work with young athletes and the baseball community. Along the way, I have been fortunate to have an incredible friend and mentor in Chris Exstrom. His guidance, encouragement, and passion for the game have helped me grow as an umpire and deepen my love and appreciation for baseball. I am grateful for everything he has done to help me succeed and for the lasting impact he has had on my umpiring journey.”
1-1 Count: What does being a female umpire mean to you personally?
MB: “I don’t really separate myself out as a female; I am just part of the crew. But I find it so special to have boys see a woman umpire. I have the ability to show boys what girls can do and to show girls what girls can do. There have been many parents and grandparents who recognize my significance to the game as a female umpire, and it means so much to me and to all girls in baseball.”
RP: “Being a female umpire means showing the next generation that females belong on a baseball field. It means being a positive role model and hopefully inspiring young girls to stay involved in the game and pursue opportunities on the field in whatever capacity interests them. Being a female umpire on a baseball field requires self confidence and I am blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love, and I hope that by being visible on the field, I can encourage and empower the next generation of young women to follow their passions and believe they belong in baseball too. ”
2-1 Count: What message do you think your presence on the field sends to young girls?
MB: “I hope it shows them that girls can do anything and that there is no limit based on gender. Your limits are in the amount of effort you give and your personal interests, like umpiring. I also talk to the girls about how I am a professor, so that they understand that they can be anything and that the sky is the limit for what they want to do one day in athletics or academics. I hope my presence makes a difference in how the girls believe in themselves.”
RP: “I hope my presence on the field sends a message to young girls that they can do anything they set their minds to. Whether their dream is to play, coach, umpire, or pursue any other passion, I hope they have the confidence to chase it wholeheartedly. I want the next generation of young women to believe in themselves, follow their dreams, and never let obstacles, stereotypes, or the opinions of others stand in their way. If seeing me on the field helps even one girl realize that she belongs and is capable of achieving great things, then I have made a positive impact.”
2-2 Count: What advice would you give to a female who is looking to get into umpiring but doesn’t know where to start?
MB: “I would first get connected with your local Little League and get to the trainings. The more confident you are out on the field, the less you being a female is going to make a difference. Find a mentor who is going to give honest feedback because the only way to get better is to know what you need to work on. Most importantly, remember that they are kids and that it is fun.”
RP: “My advice to any female interested in becoming an umpire but unsure where to start would be to reach out to their local Little League organization or local high school so they can point you in the right direction and connect you with the resources you need to get started. I would also encourage finding a mentor because having a knowledgeable and supportive mentor can make a tremendous difference as you learn the rules, develop your skills, and gain confidence on the field. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Every umpire starts somewhere and the experience and opportunities will grow with each game you work.”
To learn more about becoming a Little League umpire, and to take advantage of the resources available to all Little League umpires through the Umpire Registry, visit LittleLeague.org/Umpire.
3-2 Count: What do you wish for young girls to take away from the Maria Pepe Little League Baseball Legacy Series?
MB: “I hope that they appreciate getting to be here with their teammates who are all so similar, with being the only girls on their baseball teams back home. I hope they enjoy having female coaches and hearing calls made by female umpires. I hope they soak it in and make friendships and memories that will last forever. Williamsport is a special place, and I’m proud of Little League for starting this event and continuing it. It is going to make a difference for these girls, and it definitely has for me.”
RP: “I hope the girls leave here with a sense of pride and accomplishment. I hope they feel blessed to have been part of something special and that they enjoyed seeing women serving in so many different roles throughout the game. I hope they made lasting friendships, created unforgettable memories, and enjoyed every minute of their time here. Lastly, I hope they leave proud of themselves and inspired to continue pursuing their passions. I would encourage them to share their experiences, talk about how much fun they had, and encourage other girls to get involved and discover the same opportunities for themselves.”
Looking to step up to the plate and be an umpire this season? Visit LittleLeague.org/Umpire to learn more and find a league near you. Also, don’t forget to shop for all your umpire polos, caps, and accessories by visiting ShopLittleLeague.org.