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Miami, FL - Jen Pawol will make history this weekend as the first woman to umpire in a Major League Baseball game.
The 48-year-old from New Jersey is set to work the bases during Saturday’s doubleheader between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves, and will be behind the plate on Sunday, marking a milestone for women in professional sports.
Pawol, who has gained experience through MLB spring training games, was previously the first woman to umpire big league spring training games since Ria Cortesio in 2007.
MLB’s move follows similar breakthroughs in other major leagues, such as Violet Palmer becoming the first woman NBA referee in 1997 and Sarah Thomas breaking the NFL’s gender barrier in 2015.
Additionally, Stéphanie Frappart of France officiated in the men’s World Cup in 2022.
A former all-state athlete in softball and soccer, Pawol was also a member of the USA Baseball women’s national team in 2001.
After a competitive playing career, Pawol transitioned to umpiring, working NCAA softball from 2010 to 2016.
She later attended an MLB umpire tryout camp and joined the Gulf Coast League in 2016, eventually earning a spot in MLB.
With 76 full-time umpires in MLB, Pawol's promotion to the league's official staff represents a significant step toward inclusion in professional baseball.