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2d ago

Jen Pawol Debuts as MLB’s First Female Umpire

Her debut at first base on Saturday kicked off a three-game weekend assignment that culminates behind the plate in Sunday’s finale.

Aug 9, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Umpire Jen Pawol (95) makes a safe call during the Atlanta Braves against the Miami Marlins game during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Aug 9, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Umpire Jen Pawol (95) shown on the field during the game between the Atlanta Braves against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Pawol participates in pregame activities Saturday at Truist Park in Atlanta.
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Overview

  • Pawol became the first woman to umpire a major league regular-season game when she worked first base in Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins at Truist Park.
  • She is scheduled to umpire third base in Game 2 on Saturday night and will call balls and strikes as home plate umpire in Sunday’s series finale.
  • Her decade-long ascent began with NCAA softball officiating, led to a Gulf Coast League assignment in 2016 and reached Triple-A in 2023 where she officiated the league’s championship game.
  • Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. and MLB’s Umpire Development Department hailed her promotion as a milestone for gender diversity among the Big Four men’s professional leagues.
  • Fans, players and veteran umpires greeted Pawol with cheers, signs, handshakes and warm ovations as she made animated calls and checked pitchers for foreign substances.