Jen Pawol Makes History as MLB’s First Female Umpire

Jen Pawol is about to make history as the first female umpire in regular-season Major League Baseball (MLB). She’ll work the bases during the Miami Marlins-Atlanta Braves doubleheader on Saturday, then take her spot behind the plate for Sunday’s series finale.

It’s a huge weekend for gender representation in baseball. Pawol’s been grinding in the minor leagues for almost a decade, opening doors for future women umpires along the way.

The Journey of Jen Pawol: From Softball Catcher to MLB Umpiring Pioneer

Before she ever called balls and strikes, Jen Pawol caught pitches as a collegiate athlete at Hofstra University. She switched gears in 2015, signing up for umpiring camps that completely changed her path.

MLB umpire Ted Barrett noticed her talent and offered guidance. Pawol impressed enough to earn a scholarship to Major League Baseball’s umpire academy.

Climbing the Competitive Umpiring Ladder

Pawol started her minor-league umpiring career in 2016 and kept climbing through the ranks. By 2023, she’d made it to the Triple-A International League and even served as a crew chief.

She became the first woman in 35 years to officiate the league’s championship game. That kind of leadership at a high level made her a real contender for MLB’s top roster.

• 2015: Attends umpiring camps; earns scholarship to MLB umpire academy.
• 2016: Begins minor-league umpiring career.
• 2023: Becomes crew chief in Triple-A International League.
• 2024: Umpires MLB spring training games as the third woman ever to do so.
• 2025: Scheduled to break barriers in regular-season MLB history.

Breaking Barriers: MLB’s Slow Progress Compared to Other Leagues

Pawol’s debut is a big deal for MLB, but it also shines a light on how slowly the league has moved compared to other sports. The NBA and NFL have had female officials for years, building more inclusive spaces for officiating.

Baseball, with its old-school traditions, has been slower to change. Only a handful of women have ever made it to the higher levels of umpiring.

Trailblazers Who Paved the Way

Pam Postema and Ria Cortesio helped set the stage for Pawol. They served as mentors and inspirations as she built her career.

Both women umpired MLB spring training games, but neither broke into the regular season. Pawol’s move up honors their efforts and the push by so many women who’ve challenged the sport’s barriers.

• Pam Postema: First woman to umpire spring training games; never reached a full MLB season.
• Ria Cortesio: Made her mark in minor leagues and MLB spring training.
• Jen Pawol: First woman to earn regular-season MLB umpiring status.

Why Jen Pawol’s Achievement Is Monumental

Pawol’s promotion isn’t just a personal win—it’s a pretty big moment for women in sports officiating. Her spot in the MLB regular season shows what years of grit and skill can do.

For girls and women who dream of umpiring or playing at the highest level, Pawol’s journey feels like a signal that it really is possible.

What’s Next for Women in Baseball?

With more eyes on baseball’s officiating system than ever, Pawol’s success could spark broader change. Her promotion shows that representation really does matter.

Her performance might nudge MLB leadership to bring in more diversity among umpires. The effects of her debut could open doors for women in other professional baseball roles too.

As Pawol steps onto the field this weekend, she’s not just another umpire—she’s a symbol of progress. Fans everywhere, no matter who they root for, are catching a moment that feels like a real shift in America’s pastime.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB’s first female umpire set to debut; Jen Pawol to be promoted for Saturday’s Marlins-Braves games