Jen Pawol Makes MLB History, Becomes 1st Woman to Umpire Game in Marlins vs. Braves

Days after it was announced that Jen Pawol would become the first female umpire to work an MLB game, she officially took the field on Saturday.

Pawol is serving as the first base umpire for the opening game of Saturday's doubleheader between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves.

The Marlins and Braves are playing a doubleheader due to a rainout of their scheduled game on April 6.

MLB rules necessitate a fifth member of the umpire crew for doubleheaders since the home plate umpire doesn't work both games.

The league announced on Thursday that Pawol would ump the final three games of the Marlins-Braves series, including both legs of Saturday's doubleheader.

"This historic accomplishment in baseball is a reflection of Jen’s hard work, dedication and love of the game," MLB commissioner Robert Manfred said in the announcement. "She has earned this opportunity, and 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. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my congratulations to Jen and her family on this milestone."

Pawol has been umpiring in professional baseball since 2016 in the Gulf Coast League after completing the Minor League Baseball Training Academy. She reached the Triple-A level in 2023, then in 2024 became the first female umpire in a spring training game in 17 years.

The New Jersey native became the first woman to serve as home plate umpire for the Triple-A championship game between the Norfolk Tides and Oklahoma City Dodgers in 2023.

MLB included Pawol on the call-up list for the 2024 season if a need arose, but she wasn't brought up to the Show.

Prior to starting a career as an umpire, Pawol played softball at Hofstra from 1996 to '98 and was a three-time All-CAA selection.