Jen Pawol Makes History as First Woman Umpire in Major League Baseball Regular Season Game

Jen Pawol, a trailblazing baseball umpire, is set to make history this week as the first woman to officiate in a Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season game, shattering a significant gender barrier.

Pawol’s debut in the big leagues will occur on Saturday, where she will be part of the umpire crew for a doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins at Truist Park. Notably, this doubleheader necessitated the addition of an extra umpire to the team, as per a report on MLB.com.

This milestone marks yet another historic achievement for Pawol, who made headlines in 2024 as the first female umpire to work a spring training game in 17 years. She began her career in the minor leagues, becoming the seventh woman to do so, and made her professional debut in the Gulf Coast League in June 2016, according to MLB.

Pawol’s journey into umpiring commenced at the MLB Umpire Camp in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2015. In an interview with MLB.com in 2022, she shared her inspiring story:

“Someone told me about the MLB Umpire Camps program and even planted the idea that professional baseball is an extremely welcoming and amazing environment for women to work in. As soon as I heard this, I knew I had to experience it firsthand. And they were right. It’s a safe and inviting atmosphere, one that I believe more women should be aware of. In 2015, I attended the camp and had an unforgettable experience – it was a fantastic day that would change my life.”

A native of New Jersey, Pawol played softball for Hofstra University. During Saturday’s game between the Marlins and Braves, she will be stationed at the bases before moving behind the plate to call balls and strikes on Sunday, as per MLB.com reports.