Ria Cortesio

Ria Cortesio is a pioneering figure in baseball officiating, known for being the first woman to umpire in the major leagues during spring training games in 2007. Her career spanned nine years in the minor leagues, including five years in the Double-A Southern League, where she made a significant impact as a trailblazer for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Cortesio's achievements have paved the way for future generations of female umpires, inspiring others to pursue roles in baseball officiating.