Baseball Leagues Milestone Achieved: Jen Pawol Becomes First Female Umpire in MLB; "It Was a Dream I Didn't Know Could Become Reality"
Jen Pawol Makes History as First Female Umpire in Major League Baseball
Jen Pawol made history on Saturday as she became the first female umpire in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. Pawol's debut occurred during the Marlins-Braves series at Truist Park, where she officiated multiple games, including behind home plate in the series finale.
Pawol's journey to the MLB was not a publicity stunt but a result of hard work and dedication over ten years in the minor leagues. She started her umpiring career in 2016, attending the Minor League Baseball Umpire Training Academy and working over 1200 minor league games. In 2023, she reached the Triple-A level, becoming the first woman there in 34 years, and officiated Spring Training games in 2024 and 2025.
The reaction to Pawol's debut was overwhelmingly positive and historic. MLB Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. praised her hard work and the strong example she set for women and girls aspiring to on-field roles. Players and managers also expressed respect and encouragement. Braves pitching coach Rick Kranitz acknowledged the significance, applauded her composure, and personally congratulated her. Marlins manager Clayton McCullough commended her handling of the game and called it a "big day for Major League Baseball."
The crowd showed appreciation, and Pawol's umpire’s hat was given to the National Baseball Hall of Fame to commemorate the milestone. Fans were emotional, with some even attending the game at the last minute to witness this historic moment. Another fan, Rodell Poole, wore an umpire jersey to the game in Pawol's honor.
Ed Novy, a fellow umpire and friend of Pawol for nearly 15 years, made a last-minute trip from New Jersey to support her. Novy praised Pawol's dedication, hard work, and talent, stating that she wouldn't be in this position if she wasn't good at her job.
Pawol expressed gratitude towards her family, Major League Baseball, her umpire colleagues, and the fans. She considers her debut as a historic moment, describing it as a dream come true. However, she also expressed that it's time to focus on the job at hand and make calls.
Braves manager Brian Snitker measured Pawol's debut by the same standard as catchers, stating that if she goes unnoticed, she did a good job. Pawol will serve as the third-base umpire in the second game of Saturday's day-night doubleheader before taking her place at home plate for the series finale on Sunday.
Braves starting pitcher Hurston Waldrep expressed admiration for Pawol's achievement, calling it "really cool." Karen Schulz, a longtime Braves fan, held a sign that read "We r all dreamers. Go Jen!" during the game.
Pawol's historic achievement is the culmination of years of dedication through the umpiring ranks, and her debut was met with respect, celebration, and recognition of its significance for gender inclusion in professional baseball.
Jen Pawol's journey in baseball sports didn't stop with becoming the first female umpire in MLB; she also excelled at the minor league level, umpiring over 1200 games before reaching the Triple-A level. During her time in the minors, she even officiated Spring Training games for MLB.
