In the world of baseball, “getting the call” usually means a player’s dreams are coming true. This summer, that call went to someone in a different uniform—Jen Pawol, who just made history as the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball regular-season game.
It’s a milestone decades in the making, and her story is nothing short of inspiring.
From Softball Standout to the Diamond’s First Lady of Umpiring
Jen Pawol grew up in West Milford, New Jersey, excelling in sports from a young age. She went on to play college softball at Hofstra University, earning three all-conference honors as a catcher. Her love for the game didn’t stop there—she even played for the USA women’s national baseball team in 2001.
After college, Pawol’s path took an unexpected turn—into the art world. She earned an M.F.A., taught art, and kept her connection to sports alive by umpiring amateur softball games on the side.
But in 2016, she made a bold decision: to take a shot at professional baseball umpiring. She attended MLB’s Umpire Training Academy and began her climb through the minor leagues, working her way up to Triple-A—the highest rung before the majors.
The Call That Changed Everything
On August 9, 2025, Pawol stepped onto the field at Truist Park in Atlanta as the first base umpire for a Marlins–Braves doubleheader. The next day, she was behind home plate—calling balls and strikes in the big leagues.
Her debut wasn’t just historic—it was emotional. She described it as feeling like a “fully charged battery” with her family and supporters cheering from the stands. The cap she wore that day is now in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Why This Moment Matters for Young Women and Equality in Baseball
Baseball has long been seen as one of the most tradition-bound sports in America, with very few women in on-field roles at the highest level. Jen Pawol’s debut changes that narrative in a visible, undeniable way.
For young girls who love baseball, seeing a woman in the umpire’s gear—making the calls in a Major League game—sends a powerful message: you belong here, too. Representation matters, and Pawol’s presence on the field chips away at the mental barrier that “certain jobs” in sports are only for men.
It’s not just symbolic—it’s practical. As more women see this pathway, more may pursue it, leading to a deeper, more diverse talent pool in MLB’s officiating ranks. Equality in baseball doesn’t happen overnight, but moments like this lay the foundation for future change.
Her debut is also a reminder that equality isn’t just about players—it’s about every role in the sport. Coaches, front-office executives, scouts, trainers, and umpires all shape the game. The more those roles are open to everyone based on skill and dedication—not gender—the stronger the sport becomes.
Jen Pawol Career Highlights
- Born: 1976, West Milford, New Jersey
- College: Hofstra University – three-time all-conference softball catcher
- 2001: Played for USA women’s national baseball team
- 2016: Graduated from MLB Umpire Training Academy, began working in the minors
- 2023: First woman in 34 years to umpire at the Triple-A level
- 2024: Third woman ever to umpire an MLB Spring Training game
- August 9, 2025: First woman to umpire a Major League regular-season game
- August 10, 2025: First woman to call balls and strikes in an MLB game
- Legacy: Cap from debut game enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame
Looking Ahead
Pawol knows she’s just one person in a long game of change, but her debut is a turning point. She’s proof that persistence, passion, and patience can break barriers—even in a sport where traditions run deep.
For young girls who love baseball, her message is clear: the diamond has space for you, whether you’re at bat, in the dugout, or standing behind the plate making the calls.
Jen Pawol didn’t just get the call—she made the call that changes baseball’s history. And something tells us she’s just getting started.
Learn more at: https://www.mlb.com/news/jen-pawol-first-woman-mlb-umpire-home-plate
The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!