The series between the Marlins and Braves will have an extra ingredient of enormous relevance, as Jen Pawol will become the first woman to umpire an official Major League Baseball game.
Pawol will work as a base umpire in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park, and will take the plate on Sunday.
“This historic baseball achievement is a reflection of Jen’s hard work, dedication and love of the game,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
He added that MLB is proud of her work and growth, and noted that she is a great example for girls who aspire to play a role on the field.
Jen Pawol is a pioneering figure in the world of baseball, known for her groundbreaking achievements as a female umpire. Born in 1976, Pawol has carved out a unique place for herself in the sport, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes along the way.
Pawol’s journey into the world of baseball began at an early age. She grew up playing baseball and softball, developing a deep love for the game. Her passion for baseball led her to pursue a career as an umpire, a path that was virtually unheard of for women at the time.
In 2016, Pawol made history by becoming the first woman to umpire a professional baseball game since 1989. She was assigned to work in the Gulf Coast League, a rookie-level league in Minor League Baseball. This achievement marked a significant milestone not only for Pawol but also for women in sports, as she shattered a glass ceiling that had existed for decades.
Pawol’s dedication to her craft and her determination to succeed in a male-dominated field have earned her respect and admiration from players, coaches, and fellow umpires alike. Her presence on the field serves as an inspiration to aspiring female umpires and athletes who dream of breaking into professional sports.
Throughout her career, Pawol has continued to excel and make strides in her profession. She has worked her way up through the ranks of Minor League Baseball, demonstrating her skill and competence as an umpire. Her achievements have not only paved the way for other women in baseball but have also highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in sports.
Jen Pawol’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and breaking down barriers. Her contributions to the world of baseball extend beyond her role as an umpire; she is a trailblazer who has opened doors for future generations of women in sports.
Jen Pawol, 48, from West Milford, New Jersey, began her professional umpiring career in 2016 in the Rookie league, rose to Triple-A in 2023, becoming the first woman to do so in 34 years, and was responsible for home plate in that category’s championship game.
Before her jump to professional refereeing, Pawol developed a solid sporting and academic career: she was a high school softball and soccer athlete, played college softball at Hofstra on a scholarship and was part of the women’s national baseball team in 2001
She also worked as an art teacher, attended graduate school and umpired college softball between 2010 and 2016, until she decided to attend MLB’s Umpire Training Academy in 2016
“I came from a very intense competitive career, and playing locally no longer filled me,” Pawol said in a previous interview. “One day I looked at the referee and thought: that’s what I have to do.”
Reactions in the baseball world
The reactions were not long in coming. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts celebrated the news:
“Baseball has done a great job of being completely inclusive. I’ll be watching. This is good for the game”Dave Roberts
For his part, Phillies player Trea Turner also expressed his support:
“If she’s doing a great job, I love to see her get this opportunity. I talked to her a little bit in spring training and she seems like a great person. I wish her the best,” Turner commented
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