History is being made in Major League Baseball this weekend as Jen Pawol steps onto the field… not as a player, but as the league’s first-ever female umpire. Pawol will be calling the action during the Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves series at Truist Park, working the bases during Saturday’s doubleheader and taking over home plate duties on Sunday, according to an official MLB spokesperson.
The 48-year-old New Jersey native and Hofstra University alumna… who once played collegiate softball… began her umpiring journey in the minor leagues back in 2016, after attending MLB’s Umpire Camps. Her talent quickly stood out, leading to assignments in MLB spring training games in 2024 and 2025. “Once I started umpiring, I was like, ‘This is for me,’” Pawol shared during a Grapefruit League interview. “I can’t explain it. It’s just in my DNA.”
This game-changing moment places Pawol among a select group of female pioneers across professional sports. It comes 28 years after the NBA welcomed its first woman referee, a decade after the NFL did the same, and just three years following the inclusion of female referees in the men’s FIFA World Cup. The NHL remains the only major U.S. league yet to break that barrier.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Pawol’s milestone as a testament to her commitment and grit… “This historic accomplishment is a reflection of Jen’s hard work, dedication, and love of the game. She’s earned this moment, and we’re proud of the example she’s setting for women and girls everywhere.”
Pawol is now not only the first woman to umpire regular-season MLB games, but also the first since Ria Cortesio to call big-league spring training matchups. Cortesio, who last appeared in 2007, never made it to a regular-season game… making Pawol’s achievement all the more significant.
With eyes from around the world watching, Pawol’s MLB debut isn’t just about baseball… it’s about breaking barriers, inspiring future generations, and showing that passion and perseverance can rewrite the rules.
