History is being made in Atlanta, yet again. This weekend, for the first time in Major League Baseball history, a woman will serve as an umpire in a regular-season game! Jen Pawol, according to Major League Baseball’s officially website, “will ump three games during this weekend’s Marlins-Braves series in Atlanta, including both ends of Saturday’s doubleheader and the series finale on Sunday, when she will be behind home plate.” Keep scrolling to learn more about the game and why this is so important.
Who is Jen Pawol?
Jen Pawol has been in the game for quite a while, earning her spot in this historic event. She’s steadily climbed the umpiring ranks since beginning her pro career in Rookie ball in 2016. In 2023, she reached Triple-A, becoming the first female umpire at that level in 34 years. Then, the next year, she became the first female umpire in a Spring Training game since 2007, when Ria Cortesio umpired.
MLB also reports,
Pawol played softball at Hofstra University and at the Amateur Softball Association Major Fast Pitch level for 10 years before making the transition to umpiring. The former catcher worked college softball games and umpired in the Big Ten Conference from 2013 to 2015.
Now, she will be the first female umpire in a regular-season MLB game.
Why is this so important?
This is the first time in all of MLB that a woman will serve as an umpire during a regular season game. And we’re so excited and honored that this historic first is happening right here in Atlanta at Truist Park.
Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. says, in a statement for Major League Baseball,
This historic accomplishment in baseball is a reflection of Jen’s hard work, dedication and love of the game… She has earned this opportunity, and we are proud of the strong example she has set, particularly for all the women and young girls who aspire to roles on the field. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my congratulations to Jen and her family on this milestone.
About this weekend’s Braves vs. Marlins game
When: August 7th – 10th, 2025 (five games, with two games on Saturday)
Where: Truist Park
Jen Pawol will ump both ends of Saturday’s doubleheader & the series finale on Sunday.
Learn more on the Braves website, here!