Jen Pawol, a trailblazing figure, to assume the role as the first female umpire in Major League Baseball.
Jen Pawol Makes Historic Debut as First Female Umpire in MLB
Jen Pawol has made history by becoming the first woman to umpire in a regular-season Major League Baseball (MLB) game. This groundbreaking achievement took place during a Miami Marlins-Atlanta Braves doubleheader in August 2025, where she worked the bases[1][5].
Pawol's journey to the majors began in 2016 when she started her minor-league umpiring career. Over the years, she rose through the ranks, officiating more than 1,200 games and reaching Triple-A level in 2023[4]. Her promotion to the MLB marks a significant breakthrough in the sport's umpiring ranks, as she breaks the gender barrier that has long been a part of professional baseball[2].
The road to the majors was not easy for Pawol. She faced challenges and obstacles along the way, but her perseverance and dedication paid off. Her journey was inspired by the legacy of previous women umpires like Pam Postema, Christine Wren, and Ria Cortesio, who served as mentors and inspirations though never reached regular-season MLB games[3].
Pawol's MLB debut was met with praise for her composure, game management, and skill. Players and managers alike acknowledged both the historic and professional significance of her work. Miami manager Clayton McCullough called it a "big day for Major League Baseball," while teammates recognized her competence on the field[1].
Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred has called Pawol's MLB debut an "historic accomplishment," and her fellow umpires have expressed their support and admiration for her achievements[6]. Philadelphia Phillies star Trea Turner has praised Pawol, stating she seems like a great person[7].
Pawol will work the weekend series between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves, serving as a base ump for Saturday's doubleheader at Truist Park and working behind the plate on Sunday[3]. This is just the beginning of Pawol's journey in the MLB, and she is set to continue breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of female umpires.
[1] MLB.com. (2025). Jen Pawol makes history as first woman to umpire regular-season MLB game. [online] Available at: https://www.mlb.com/news/jen-pawol-makes-history-as-first-woman-to-umpire-regular-season-mlb-game
[2] ESPN. (2025). Jen Pawol makes history as first female umpire in MLB. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/37155714/jen-pawol-makes-history-first-female-umpire-mlb
[3] CBS Sports. (2025). Jen Pawol to make MLB debut as first female umpire. [online] Available at: https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/jen-pawol-to-make-mlb-debut-as-first-female-umpire/
[4] The New York Times. (2025). Jen Pawol, First Woman to Umpire in MLB, Makes Debut. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/01/sports/baseball/jen-pawol-mlb-debut.html
[5] Sports Illustrated. (2025). Jen Pawol Makes History as First Woman to Umpire Regular-Season MLB Game. [online] Available at: https://www.si.com/mlb/2025/08/01/jen-pawol-mlb-debut-first-female-umpire
[6] USA Today. (2025). Jen Pawol makes history as first woman to umpire MLB game. [online] Available at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2025/08/01/jen-pawol-makes-history-first-woman-umpire-mlb-game/110312636/
[7] Philadelphia Inquirer. (2025). Jen Pawol, first female umpire in MLB, praised by Phillies star Trea Turner. [online] Available at: https://www.inquirer.com/sports/phillies/jen-pawol-first-female-umpire-mlb-trea-turner-praise-20250802.html
Sports enthusiasts are thrilled to witness Jen Pawol, now a Major League Baseball (MLB) umpire, contribute to the world of baseball. This groundbreaking achievement marks Pawol as the first female umpire in the MLB, breaking the long-standing gender barrier in professional baseball.
