Jen Pawol is set to make history this weekend as the first woman to umpire a regular-season Major League Baseball (MLB) game, a landmark moment for the sport and gender equality in professional baseball. The 48-year-old New Jersey native will officiate during the three-game series between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta, beginning Saturday, August 10, 2025.

Pawol’s historic debut will see her umpiring the bases for both games of Saturday’s doubleheader and taking the critical position behind home plate for the Sunday series finale. The doubleheader format required MLB to add a fifth umpire to the crew, since each home-plate umpire typically sits out one game. This elevation to the major league crew crowns nearly a decade-long climb through the professional umpiring ranks that began with Pawol’s start in Rookie ball in 2016.

Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. saluted Pawol’s achievement as reflecting “her hard work, dedication and love of the game,” adding, “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.” Manfred underscored that Pawol “has earned this opportunity,” making it not just a significant milestone for her career but a beacon for women aiming to break into officiating roles traditionally dominated by men.

Pawol’s road to this historic event is rooted in her longtime passion for the game. She played softball and soccer at West Milford High School in New Jersey, followed by collegiate softball at Hofstra University on Long Island, where she was a three-time all-conference pick and also played on the USA Baseball women’s national team in 2001. She began umpiring fast-pitch softball games in college to earn money and later honed her skills at umpire development camps around the country.

After turning professional as a minor league umpire, Pawol reached the Triple-A level in 2023—the first woman to do so in 34 years. She notably was the home-plate umpire for the 2023 Triple-A Championship game and served as a Triple-A crew chief in 2024. That same year, Pawol became the first female umpire to officiate Major League Spring Training games since 2007, building experience and respect within the MLB umpiring community.

Her journey follows in the footsteps of pioneers like Ria Cortesio, who umpired Spring Training games but never reached a regular MLB season game, and aligns with broader professional sports trends. The NBA broke the gender barrier for game officials 28 years ago, the NFL hired its first full-time female official a decade ago, and the 2022 men’s FIFA World Cup featured a female referee. The NHL remains the only major North American sports league yet to appoint female on-ice officials.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on Pawol’s debut: “Baseball’s done a great job of being completely inclusive. I’ll be watching. It’s good for the game.” This sentiment captures the excitement and recognition within the baseball world that Pawol’s presence signals a positive step forward.

Pawol herself keeps her focus grounded on performance rather than history. In a 2024 interview she said, “Really, the only thing that matters is that I get the next play right. And then I gotta get the next play right after that.” Former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright expressed admiration, telling her during a Triple-A game, “Jen, I have four daughters and I think what you’re doing is awesome.”

This weekend’s games at Truist Park will not only mark a personal milestone for Jen Pawol but will also be a historic event for Major League Baseball, opening further doors for women officials and demonstrating the evolving inclusivity of the sport. After her debut, attention will turn to how MLB further integrates female umpires at the highest level and how Pawol’s example inspires the next generation of women seeking roles in professional baseball umpiring.

In summary, Jen Pawol’s breakthrough as MLB’s first female umpire in a regular-season game highlights decades of perseverance and progress. It underscores a broader commitment within professional sports to inclusiveness and equality, while also raising anticipation for the future of women in baseball officiating. Fans and aspiring umpires alike should watch this weekend’s historic series as a landmark step in the game’s ongoing evolution.