Major League Baseball promotes female umpire for weekend match-ups
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 in a regular-season Major League Baseball (MLB) game. This historic milestone was achieved as she umpired at first base, third base, and then behind home plate, calling balls and strikes for the first time as an MLB umpire.
Pawol's professional umpiring career began about 10 years prior, in 2016, at the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. She worked her way steadily up through the minor leagues for nearly a decade before reaching the majors. During her historic debut behind the plate, Pawol achieved an accuracy rate of 92.72% in calling balls and strikes, slightly below the MLB average of around 94%, but still earning high praise from players and managers.
Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough lauded her composure and game management, calling the day a "big day for Major League Baseball." MLB commissioner Rob Manfred also praised Pawol's accomplishment, stating it reflects her hard work, dedication, and love for the game. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed excitement about this historic event, stating that it's good for the game.
Pawol's career represents a breakthrough in MLB umpiring history, breaking a gender barrier long-standing in the sport. She last umpired big league spring training games in 2007, which was the first time a woman did so since Ria Cortesio. However, Cortesio spent nine years in the minor leagues and was released after the 2007 season.
In addition to her historic debut, Pawol will work games this weekend between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves. She will work the bases in tomorrow's doubleheader at Truist Park and the plate on Sunday. Pawol, a 48-year-old from New Jersey, has worked spring training games last year and this year.
Pawol's journey to becoming an MLB umpire is inspiring. She was an all-state softball and soccer player in New Jersey for three seasons in each sport at West Milford High School. She went on to Hofstra University on a softball scholarship and became a three-time all-conference pick. Pawol also represented the USA Baseball women's national team in 2001.
Manfred also noted that Pawol has set a strong example, particularly for women and young girls who aspire to roles on the field. Her accomplishments serve as a testament to the growing inclusivity in sports officiating. The NFL hired its first full-time female official 10 years ago, and the gender barrier for game officials in the NBA was broken 28 years ago.
As Pawol continues to make history, she remains humble and focused on her craft. She recently completed her master's degree and was living in the Binghamton area of New York and taking teacher certification classes at Elmira College while still playing on the side. Her dedication and passion for the game are evident, and she is a role model for aspiring umpires, regardless of gender.
Jen Pawol's historical debut in the MLB regular season marked a significant milestone in the world of baseball, as she became the first woman to umpire in a major league game. After spending years working in the minor leagues, Pawol's career in MLB umpiring now includes calling games for the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves, demonstrating her mastery of sports like baseball.
