History is about to be made in Major League Baseball as Jen Pawol becomes the first woman to umpire a regular season game in the big leagues. She’s set to take the field during this weekend’s Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves series at Truist Park, working the bases for Saturday’s doubleheader and calling balls and strikes from behind the plate on Sunday.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged the significance of the moment, stating, “This historic accomplishment in baseball is a reflection of Jen’s hard work, dedication and love of the game. 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.”
Pawol, 48, has carved her path through the minor league system since 2016 and has earned respect at every level she’s worked. A standout athlete growing up in New Jersey, Pawol played both softball and soccer at West Milford High School before heading to Hofstra University on a softball scholarship. She was a three-time all-conference pick at Hofstra and later represented the USA Baseball Women’s National Team in 2001.
After years of playing and officiating NCAA softball, Pawol transitioned to baseball umpiring, attending an MLB tryout in 2015 and graduating from the Umpire Training Academy. She’s since worked her way through the Gulf Coast League, South Atlantic League, and most recently called the 2023 Triple-A National Championship Game.
This year, she made history during spring training, becoming the first woman since Ria Cortesio in 2007 to umpire Major League games in the preseason. Now, she breaks the regular-season barrier as the fifth umpire to debut in MLB this year.
Players and coaches have already voiced their support. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, “Baseball’s done a great job of being completely inclusive… It’s good for the game.” Phillies shortstop Trea Turner added, “If she’s doing a great job, I love seeing the opportunity for her, and I’m happy for her.”
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman echoed the sentiment. “I think if she is a good enough umpire, obviously she deserves to be here.”
Pawol’s moment also places MLB in step with other professional sports leagues that have broken gender barriers among officials, trailing the NBA (1997), NFL (2012), and FIFA’s World Cup (2022), but now firmly joining the movement.
For Pawol, who described officiating as her calling after years of competitive play, this is not just a historic debut. It’s the culmination of dedication, resilience, and a deep love for the game. Her presence on the field this weekend is a victory not only for her, but for baseball itself.