Jen Pawol Makes History As Major League Baseball’s First Female Umpire

Jen Pawol made history by becoming Major League Baseball’s first female umpire to officiate a regular-season game. She debuted on August 9, 2025, umpiring a doubleheader between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta and served as the home plate umpire on August 10.

Pawol’s path to the major leagues includes being one of only seven women to work as a professional baseball umpire. She began umpiring in 2016 after attending the MLB Umpire Training Academy and steadily rose through the minor leagues, becoming the first woman to umpire at the Triple-A level in 34 years and served as a crew chief in Triple-A before her MLB debut.

Before officiating, Pawol was an accomplished athlete herself: an all-state softball and soccer player in high school, a collegiate softball scholarship recipient at Hofstra University, and a member of the USA women’s national baseball team. She also umpired NCAA softball from 2010 to 2016.

Her debut is a significant milestone for gender inclusion in sports, with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praising her hard work and dedication, highlighting her role as a strong example for women and girls aspiring to roles in professional baseball.
In summary, Jen Pawol’s MLB debut as the first female umpire in a regular-season game represents a historic breakthrough in a traditionally male-dominated role and a landmark moment for women in professional baseball.