Jen Pawol made history on Saturday as she became the first woman to umpire an MLB regular-season game, taking the position at first base during the doubleheader between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves. Her milestone occurred following the top of the first inning, where Braves rookie pitcher Hurston Waldrep became the first player checked for illegal substances, marking another notable moment of the game.
Waldrep had a strong start, retiring the Marlins in sequence, and struck out both Xavier Edwards and Kyle Stowers, finishing the inning with just 13 pitches, eight of which were strikes. During the transition to the dugout, Pawol conducted a routine check of his glove and hand, ensuring compliance with league regulations; nothing was found amiss.
At 48, Pawol is set to umpire all three games in the Marlins-Braves series this weekend. Following her debut at first base for the first game, she will transition to third base for the evening match and will be behind home plate calling balls and strikes on Sunday.
Pawol’s journey to the MLB is remarkable. She previously officiated spring training games, becoming the first woman to do so since Ria Cortesio in 2007. She joins the ranks of other trailblazing women in sports officiating, including Violet Palmer in the NBA and Sarah Thomas in the NFL. In 2022, Stéphanie Frappart also made history as the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup match.
Having graduated from Minor League Baseball’s umpire camp in 2016, Pawol has officiated over 1,200 minor-league games and was the seventh woman ever to serve as an umpire in that realm. Her contributions to the sport are recognized, with her first minor league cap and mask housed in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
This historic event not only reflects a progressive step forward for women in sports but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of female athletes and officials, showcasing that barriers can indeed be broken and that diversity continues to shape the face of professional sports.