Jen Pawol Makes History as MLB's First Female Umpire

Aug 09 2025

Jen Pawol stepped onto the field Saturday, marking a significant milestone as the first female umpire to officiate a regular-season Major League Baseball game. Her debut took place at first base during a split doubleheader featuring the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins.

The game commenced with Pawol observing a quiet first inning, as Braves pitcher Hurston Waldrep struck out two batters before Agustin Ramirez lined out to third base. Miami's Ryan Gusto mirrored this performance, retiring the Braves without any calls needing her attention.

Supporters filled the stands, waving signs that celebrated her achievement. One read, "Pawol making HERstory," while another proclaimed, "The time has come for one & all to play ball." The atmosphere was electric, underscoring the significance of her presence on the field.

After the game, Pawol donated her MLB cap to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, a gesture that highlighted her commitment to the sport and its history. As first base umpire, she was tasked with checking Waldrep's hands for foreign substances, during which she received a friendly nod from Braves catcher Sean Murphy.

Pawol's first challenge arose in the third inning when she called Murphy safe on a close play. Although replays suggested he might have been out, Marlins manager Clayton McCullough opted not to challenge the decision. This moment showcased her ability to handle pressure in a high-stakes environment.

Her animated style was evident when she emphatically called Miami's Xavier Edwards out during a double play, pumping her fist and lifting her leg in celebration of the call. The crowd responded positively, offering warm applause when the video board displayed her image between innings.

Later that evening, Pawol was set to take on third base duties in the second game of the doubleheader, with plans to call pitches behind home plate in Sunday’s finale. Anticipation surrounded her debut, with photographers eagerly awaiting the umpires' arrival from their entry point near the Marlins dugout.

Before the game, both McCullough and Braves bench coach Walt Weiss greeted Pawol at home plate during lineup exchanges. She jogged down the first base line, shaking hands with Marlins first base coach Tyler Smarslok before taking her position for the first pitch.

Baseball Commissioner Robert Manfred praised Pawol's achievement, stating that it reflects her dedication and passion for the game. "She has earned this opportunity, and we are proud of the strong example she has set for women and young girls aspiring to roles on the field," he remarked.

Overcome with emotion upon receiving the news of her promotion, Pawol expressed her excitement: "It was super emotional to finally be living that phone call that I'd been hoping for and working towards for quite a while." Her enthusiasm was palpable as she described feeling like "a fully charged battery ready to go."

At 48 years old, Pawol has been officiating in the minor leagues since 2016, including assignments in the Gulf Coast League and the Triple-A championship game in 2023. She also worked spring training games in both 2024 and this year.

Reflecting on her journey, Pawol recalled a touching moment with veteran pitcher Adam Wainwright during her first year in Triple-A. While checking him for foreign substances, he encouraged her by saying, "Jen, I just want you to know that I have daughters, and I think this is so cool, and I'm rooting for you."

Originally from New Jersey, Pawol had only a few days to prepare for her historic debut after being informed of her promotion during a conference call with umpire development officials. A three-time all-conference softball selection at Hofstra University, she served as an NCAA softball umpire from 2010 to 2016.

Pawol's groundbreaking achievement comes 28 years after the NBA broke its gender barrier for game officials and a decade after the NFL hired its first full-time female official. The men's soccer World Cup welcomed its first female referee three years ago; however, the NHL has yet to appoint any women as on-ice officials.

What do you think?

πŸ‘ 0
πŸ‘Ž 0
πŸ”₯ 0
😊 0
πŸ’© 0
😍 0
😀 0