Jen Pawol becomes MLB’s first female regular-season umpire, debuting at first base in Atlanta’s game against Miami.
Historic First on the Diamond
Major League Baseball witnessed a groundbreaking moment on Saturday as Jen Pawol, 48, became the first woman to umpire a regular-season game. The New Jersey native made her debut as the first-base umpire during the Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves doubleheader at Truist Park.
How the Day Unfolded
Pawol’s debut drew cheers from fans and recognition from players and coaches. She took her position on the right field line after exchanging lineups, shaking hands with Marlins first-base coach Tyler Smarslok. Her first notable call came in the third inning, ruling Braves catcher Sean Murphy safe in a close play at first.
Support From the Stands and Dugouts
A group of 30 family members and friends, including her father, attended the game, though the size of the major league stadium made spotting them a challenge. “It seemed like quite a few people were clapping and calling my name,” Pawol said, describing the moment as “intense and emotional.” Braves manager Brian Snitker praised her poise, saying, “She did a good job.”
Path to the Majors
Pawol’s promotion was confirmed just days earlier, during a Wednesday conference call with MLB officials. She began her umpiring career in the Gulf Coast League in 2016, advanced to Triple-A, and officiated the 2023 Triple-A championship game. She also worked spring training games in 2024 and 2025. Before baseball, she was a standout softball player at Hofstra University and later an NCAA softball umpire.
Why This Moment Matters
Her milestone comes nearly three decades after the NBA broke its gender barrier for referees, a decade after the NFL hired its first full-time female official, and three years after the men’s soccer World Cup appointed its first female referee. Pawol’s umpire cap from the game will be sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame in recognition of the achievement.
Next Steps on the Field
Pawol was scheduled to work third base in the second game of the doubleheader and will call balls and strikes behind the plate in Sunday’s series finale. She will then resume her role as a rover, awaiting her next assignment. Crew chief Chris Guccione called her debut “one of the proudest moments” of his career and praised her as a role model for women in sports officiating.
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