Jen Pawol earns historic MLB umpire debut

Jen Pawol makes history as the first woman to work a regular season MLB game, a milestone for baseball officiating.

Jen Pawol becomes first woman to umpire a regular season MLB game

ATLANTA, GA. On Saturday at Truist Park, Jen Pawol set a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to umpire a regular season MLB game. She served as the first base umpire for the opening game of a Braves Marlins doubleheader and as the third base umpire for the nightcap, with a plan to be behind the plate the following day. Pawol has spent more than a decade in the minor leagues and has worked over 1,200 games to reach this moment. The crowd greeted her with a standing ovation as her name was announced.

This moment signals a broader push to diversify officiating in major American sports. It shows how persistent effort in the minors can create real opportunities at the top level. Yet one breakthrough does not erase the challenges that lie ahead for aspiring female umpires. The industry will be watching how Pawol handles the routine pressures of a big league game and whether this opening creates a sustainable path for others to follow.

Highlights

The field keeps changing and so does the record book