Jen Pawol Makes History as MLB's First Female Umpire

Jen Pawol’s journey to becoming MLB’s first female umpire is a testament to her dedication and skill. Since beginning her career in Rookie ball in 2016, she has consistently climbed the ranks, reaching Triple-A in 2023 and umpiring the league’s championship game. Her 2024 Spring Training appearance marked another significant milestone. This promotion to a regular-season game underscores MLB’s commitment to inclusivity, following similar strides made by other major sports leagues. Pawol’s success serves as an inspiration and opens doors for future generations of female umpires.

MLB’s decision to promote Pawol comes 28 years after the NBA appointed its first female referee, Violet Palmer, and 10 years after the NFL followed suit with Sarah Thomas. In 2022, Stéphanie Frappart became the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup game, and in 2023, Rebecca Walsh achieved the same feat in England’s Premier League. These milestones highlight a growing trend of gender equality in professional sports officiating.

Jen Pawol is scheduled to make her debut during the Marlins-Braves series in Atlanta this weekend.

She will umpire both games of Saturday’s doubleheader and the series finale on Sunday, where she will be behind home plate.

She umpired in Spring Training games in 2024, becoming the first woman to do so since 2007.

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