Jen Pawol shatters MLB's gender divide, officiating as the initial female umpire in a typical season match
Jen Pawol Makes History as First Female Umpire in MLB Regular Season
Jen Pawol made history on August 9, 2025, as she became the first female umpire to work a regular-season Major League Baseball (MLB) game during the Marlins-Braves series in Atlanta.
Pawol, a three-time all-conference softball selection at Hofstra, umpired three games in the series, including a doubleheader where she was at first base in the opener and third base in the nightcap, and behind home plate for the series finale on Sunday.
The news of Pawol's long-awaited promotion came during a Wednesday conference call with director of umpire development Rich Rieker and vice president of umpire operations Matt McKendry. Pawol described herself as being "overcome with emotion" upon learning she would make her MLB debut this weekend.
Before her umpiring career, Pawol was a softball catcher and played on a gold medal-winning women’s baseball team. She worked as an art teacher while umpiring amateur softball part-time. Her path was inspired by predecessors such as Pam Postema, Christine Wren, and Ria Cortesio, women who reached high levels in professional umpiring but never officiated a regular-season MLB game.
Pawol's debut was historic and celebrated within MLB. Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. praised her dedication and noted the significance of her achievement in setting a strong example for women and young girls aspiring to on-field roles.
During the game, Pawol's responsibility included checking Waldrep's hands for foreign substances following the inning. Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep struck out the first two batters in the first inning, and Agustin Ramirez lined out to third baseman Nacho Alvarez.
Fans gave Pawol a warm ovation when the video board focused on her between innings. Pawol showed animated calls, such as pumping her fist and lifting her leg when she called a player out in the third inning. She also called Braves catcher Sean Murphy safe on a close play in the third inning.
Pawol has been working in the minor leagues since being assigned to the Gulf Coast League in 2016. She was assigned the Triple-A championship game in 2023 and worked spring training games in 2024 and again this year.
Pawol jogged down the first base line and shook hands with Marlins first base coach Tyler Smarslok before taking her position on the right field line for the first pitch. She will work third base in Saturday night's second game of the doubleheader.
Pawol's debut was on Saturday as the first base umpire for a game between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins. She was greeted by McCullough and Braves bench coach Walt Weiss before the game.
While Pawol's milestone marks a significant step forward for women in baseball, it's worth noting that the NHL has not had any women as on-ice officials. Pawol's approach to umpiring remains focused on consistent hard work and preparation: "You’ve just got to keep it simple, keep working hard, put your all into it and get ready for the next day."
Sources: 1. ESPN 2. MLB.com 3. CBS Sports 4. The Washington Post
In the historic debut, Jen Pawol officiated a regular-season Major League Baseball (MLB) game, umpiring three games in the Marlins-Braves series, including playing key roles on first, third base, and home plate. Previously, Pawol had a successful career in softball and had the opportunity to play on a gold medal-winning women's baseball team before becoming an art teacher and part-time amateur softball umpire.
