Jen Pawol Makes History as First Female MLB Umpire
Jen Pawol became the first female umpire to work a regular-season MLB game at Truist Park in Atlanta, breaking a significant gender barrier in professional baseball.
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Overview
- Jen Pawol achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first female umpire to officiate a regular-season Major League Baseball game, breaking a long-standing gender barrier in the sport.
- Her groundbreaking debut took place at Truist Park in Atlanta, where she worked the bases during a game between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins.
- Pawol's journey to the MLB began with attending an umpire tryout camp in 2015, followed by her promotion from the minor leagues in 2016, demonstrating her dedication.
- Before her MLB call-up, Pawol gained extensive experience, calling over 1,200 minor league games and becoming the first woman in 34 years to umpire Triple-A baseball.
- This significant achievement was celebrated by approximately 30 family members and friends, marking a pivotal moment for diversity and inclusion in professional baseball.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover Jen Pawol's historic MLB debut neutrally, focusing on factual reporting of the event. They highlight her achievement as the first female umpire without employing loaded language or selective emphasis. The coverage includes details of her performance, reactions from players and fans, and relevant background, presenting a balanced and objective account.
"Jen Pawol has made history as the first female umpire to work a regular-season game in the major leagues."
CBS News"Jen Pawol has made history as the first female umpire to work a regular-season game in the major leagues."
Chicago TribuneArticles (7)
FAQ
Jen Pawol umpired over 1,200 minor league games, became the first female umpire in 34 years to work at the Triple-A level in 2023, was the home plate umpire for the Triple-A National Championship Game, and was the third woman to umpire in MLB spring training.
Jen Pawol made her MLB debut on August 9, 2025, as the first base umpire during a doubleheader game between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins at Truist Park in Atlanta.
Her career has been described as a 10-year interview process, with dedication shown by years of work in minor leagues after attending umpire training academies and consistently progressing through the ranks.
MLB Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. congratulated Pawol and emphasized her hard work and dedication, highlighting the positive example she sets for women and young girls aspiring to umpiring roles.
Jen Pawol’s debut broke a major gender barrier as the first woman to umpire a regular-season MLB game, joining a broader movement of women breaking barriers in major sports leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and men’s soccer World Cup.
History
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