Jen Pawol: Historic, First Female Umpire in MLB this Weekend

NEW YORK – Jen Pawol will make history in baseball by becoming the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball (MLB) game. Her debut is scheduled for this weekend, in the games between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves. Pawol will perform his duties at the bases during Saturday’s doubleheader at Truist Park, and will be behind the plate on Sunday, according to MLB announced this Wednesday. Pawol, 48 years old and originally from New Jersey, has already had experience in spring training games in 2024 and this year.

This MLB breakthrough comes 28 years after the gender barrier was broken for game officials in the NBA, 10 years later in the NFL, and three years after the men’s World Cup employed a female referee.