Jen Pawol Set to Make MLB History as First Woman Umpire Saturday

By Oliver Wiener August 10, 2025 19:02

Jen Pawol is set to make Major League Baseball history this Saturday by becoming the first woman to umpire a regular-season MLB game, a monumental breakthrough in a sport long dominated by men. Scheduled to officiate both games of a doubleheader between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta, Pawol’s debut marks a historic milestone not only for baseball but for women in sports officiating worldwide.

At 48 years old, Pawol brings a unique blend of experience, resilience, and passion to the field. She has spent several years honing her craft in the Minor Leagues, earning a reputation as one of professional baseball’s most respected umpires. In the 2023 season, Pawol made history as the first female umpire to work at the Triple-A level in over three decades, serving as the home plate umpire during the Triple-A National Championship Game. She also umpired in MLB spring training games in 2024 and 2025, a proving ground that helped prepare her for this historic call-up.

Pawol’s journey to the major leagues is a testament to perseverance. Growing up in New Jersey and playing softball collegiately at Hofstra University, she began umpiring softball games while in college and continued part-time while pursuing a career as an art teacher. Then, in 2016, she committed to professional umpiring, attending the Minor League Baseball Umpire Training Academy and climbing steadily through the ranks. Her skill and temperament impressed evaluators, helping her secure increasingly prominent assignments and, ultimately, an MLB call-up.

The significance of Pawol’s debut resonates deeply within the umpiring community. Veteran women umpires who blazed trails but never received a full MLB opportunity, such as Pam Postema and Ria Cortesio, have expressed their joy and pride for Pawol’s achievement. Cortesio, who was dismissed from professional umpiring years ago amid allegations of sexism, spoke about the emotional weight of this moment. “I was so happy for her, I knew she would make it this year,” Cortesio said, noting this milestone is “phenomenal news” for all women involved in baseball officiating. Pam Postema also praised Pawol, emphasizing her excellence and the long-awaited nature of this event.

Major League Baseball veteran umpire Dale Scott highlighted the challenges women umpires have faced historically, including institutional resistance and hostility. He called Pawol’s promotion “overdue” and expressed hope this event signals greater future opportunities rather than a one-time milestone. Scott remarked, “There are men who have worked hundreds of major league games without ever securing a full contract. That remains a goal for the future, but this is a monumental step for her.” Such statements underscore the blend of progress and ongoing challenges in breaking gender barriers in umpiring.

Pawol is scheduled to officiate home plate for the Sunday game following her doubleheader debut, showing MLB’s confidence in her abilities. Wearing uniform number 95, she brings a calm, authoritative presence to the game alongside a professional track record that includes advanced training and pivotal minor league assignments.

In her own words, Pawol remains humble yet ready: “I’m excited to get out there and do what I love. It’s been a long road, but I’m here to umpire games, make the calls, and help the game move forward.” Her presence in the MLB umpiring ranks symbolizes a meaningful step forward for diversity and inclusion in baseball.

Jen Pawol’s historic debut this weekend is not only about one game or one umpire it represents a giant leap toward equal opportunity in America’s pastime. As she takes the field, the eyes of the baseball world will be watching, inspired by the path she’s paved and hopeful for many more milestones to come.