Jen Pawol will become MLB’s first female umpire during this weekend’s Miami-Atlanta series, breaking a historic barrier in professional baseball.
Historic First for MLB Officiating This Weekend
Jen Pawol is set to become the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball regular-season game. The 48-year-old from New Jersey will make her debut during a doubleheader between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves at Truist Park this Saturday, August 9, 2025, marking a milestone moment in baseball history.
Game Assignment Confirmed by League
Major League Baseball confirmed Wednesday that Pawol will officiate on the bases for Saturday’s doubleheader and behind home plate for Sunday’s game. The promotion follows nearly a decade of officiating in the minor leagues and several spring training appearances, including games in both 2024 and 2025.
Trailblazing Path from Player to Umpire
Pawol’s journey to the majors began on the fields of West Milford, New Jersey, where she was a standout athlete in both softball and soccer. A scholarship athlete at Hofstra University, she was a three-time all-conference softball player and represented the USA Baseball women’s national team in 2001. Her shift toward umpiring came in 2015 when she attended MLB’s umpire tryout camp, eventually leading to her hiring in the Gulf Coast League in 2016.
Breaking Barriers in Men’s Professional Sports
Her MLB debut comes nearly three decades after other major sports leagues began integrating female officials. The NBA led the way in 1997, followed by the NFL in 2012 and FIFA’s men’s World Cup in 2022. The NHL remains the only major league without female on-ice officials. Pawol’s advancement signals MLB’s growing commitment to diversity and inclusion within the game.
Baseball Community Welcomes Change
Reaction to Pawol’s promotion has been overwhelmingly positive. “Baseball’s done a great job of being completely inclusive,” said Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I’ll be watching. It’s good for the game.” With 76 full-time umpires in MLB and a rotating pool of fill-ins, her assignment showcases both merit and progress within league operations.
Looking Ahead to the Weekend’s Milestone
As Pawol prepares for her debut, anticipation is building across the baseball world. Fans and players alike are expected to tune in to witness this groundbreaking moment in MLB history. The weekend’s series at Truist Park may be remembered not just for the games played—but for the barrier finally broken.
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