Jen Pawol Makes History as MLB’s First Female Umpire, Breaking Barriers in Baseball Officiating
On August 9, 2025, Major League Baseball will witness a historic milestone as Jen Pawol becomes the first woman ever to umpire a regular-season MLB game. Pawol, a longtime Minor League Baseball umpire, is set to officiate the doubleheader between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta, including taking her position behind home plate in the Sunday finale. This groundbreaking moment marks a significant step forward for gender equity in professional sports.
A Groundbreaking Debut in Atlanta
The opportunity for Pawol’s MLB debut arose due to a rare scheduled doubleheader, which required the addition of a fifth umpire to the crew. This circumstance allowed her to join the umpiring team for both games of Saturday’s Marlins-Braves doubleheader and the series finale on Sunday. Her presence behind home plate in Sunday’s game is especially notable for the crucial role the home plate umpire plays in baseball.
Journey to the Majors
Jen Pawol’s path to this landmark moment has spanned nearly a decade, demonstrating persistence, talent, and dedication. A former Hofstra University softball catcher and accomplished fast-pitch player, she transitioned into umpiring after extensive experience on the field. Starting in 2016, Pawol attended the Minor League Baseball Umpire Training Academy and began her professional umpiring career in the Gulf Coast League.
Over the ensuing years, Pawol steadily ascended the minor leagues ranks. In 2023, she became the first woman in more than 30 years to umpire at the Triple-A level, the highest level of Minor League Baseball. That September, she called home plate for the Triple-A Championship game and was named a crew chief in 2024. She had previously broken barriers by umpiring Spring Training games in both 2024 and 2025.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring a Generation
Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. praised Pawol’s historic achievement, calling it a reflection of her hard work, dedication, and love for the game. He stated, “She has earned this opportunity, and we are proud of the strong example she has set, particularly for all the women and young girls who aspire to roles on the field.” This recognition from the highest office in baseball underscores the importance of her debut beyond personal accomplishment, positioning it as an inspiration for greater inclusivity in sports officiating.
Other Pioneering Women in Baseball Officiating
Jen Pawol is the seventh woman to work as a professional baseball umpire, joining a lineage of trailblazers who have broken ground in officiating traditionally dominated by men. Women like Ria Cortesio, who umpired Spring Training games in 2007, and others who have worked in minor leagues and women’s baseball have paved the way for Pawol’s breakthrough at the major league level.
Pawol’s Philosophy and Vision
Reflecting on her journey, Pawol remarked in 2024, “Anybody in baseball will tell you that you’ve just got to keep it simple, keep working hard, put your all into it and get ready for the next day.” Her dedication to continual improvement and her passion for the game have been key components to her success. Pawol’s debut not only changes the statistics in MLB history but also reshapes the narrative about who belongs behind the plate at the highest levels of baseball.
As the Marlins and Braves take to the field this weekend, all eyes will be on Jen Pawol — a symbol of progress, determination, and a bright future that embraces diversity within America’s pastime.