My Mother The Ump

Keith Hernandez has been curiously silent about Ria Cortesio, who on Thursday will become the first female umpire to work a Major League baseball game since 1989. Likewise, Cornbread Maxwell could not be reached for comment, as Cortesio, 30, will work the bases for an exhibition game between the Diamondbacks and Cubs in Mesa, Ariz. We're not concerned about a woman umpiring a Major League game, of course. But we are a little worried about the type of weather they get in Mesa this time of year; judging from this photo, she may want to fill her pockets with rocks if the forecast calls for wind.

One good thing: Cortesio will work Double-A ball this season. Asheville Tourists manager Joe Mikulik? He's in Single-A. Whew!

Female Ump To Work MLB Exhibition Game [Newsday]