MLB history made as Jen Pawol becomes the first female umpire to officiate a regular-season match
Jen Pawol made history on August 9, 2025, as the first female umpire to work a regular-season game in Major League Baseball (MLB). Her historic debut took place at Truist Park in Atlanta, where she served as the first base umpire in the first game of a split doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins[1][2][3].
Pawol's achievement marks a significant milestone not only for MLB but also in the broader context of professional sports. This follows the breaking of gender barriers in the NBA, NFL, and international soccer refereeing[1].
Pawol's professional career began in 2016, and she has been advancing through the minor leagues since then. In 2023, she made history by becoming the first female umpire at the Triple-A level. She also umpired in Spring Training games in 2024 and 2025 before making her regular-season debut[2][3].
In Sunday's game, the Braves were set down in order by Miami right-hander Ryan Gusto in the bottom of the first inning. Hurston Waldrep, the Braves' right-hander, struck out the first two batters in the first inning. Agustin Ramirez lined out to third baseman Nacho Alvarez in the first inning[3].
Pawol's responsibility during the game includes checking pitchers for foreign substances following each inning. She will also be in the spotlight when she calls pitches behind the plate in Sunday's final game of the series[1].
Jen Pawol was notified on Wednesday that she would make her Major League Baseball debut this weekend. A crowd of photographers gathered to capture her historic debut, and both Marlins manager Clayton McCullough and Braves bench coach Walt Weiss greeted her before the game[2].
Pawol, who was a three-time all-conference softball selection at Hofstra, described feeling "overcome with emotion" during the phone call about her promotion[1]. Her journey to the MLB is a testament to her dedication and perseverance, breaking new ground for women in professional sports.
[1] ESPN
[2] MLB.com
[3] CBS Sports
Jen Pawol's historic debut as the first female umpire in Major League Baseball (MLB) occurred during the split doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins, marking a significant milestone not only for MLB but also in the broader context of professional sports. Prior to her regular-season debut, Pawol umpired in Spring Training games in 2024 and 2025 and made history by becoming the first female umpire at the Triple-A level in 2023.
