Former Hofstra softball star Jen Pawol will become the first female umpire in Major League Baseball history to appear in a regular-season game when she works the weekend series between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves from Aug. 8 to Aug. 10.
The teams will play three games in four days at Truist Park in Atlanta, with Pawol expected to call balls and strikes for the series finale on Sunday.
Pawol received praises from around the league for her historic debut.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said Pawol “earned this opportunity” and that she is setting an example for women in sports.
“This historic accomplishment in baseball is a reflection of Jen’s hard work, dedication and love of the game,” Manfred said in a statement.
The Major League Baseball Umpires Association also issued a statement, congratulating Powal and praising her as a trailblazer.
“This moment represents more than a personal milestone for Jen; it is a groundbreaking step for our profession and for the continued advancement of women in sports,” the association said. “Jen’s achievement is a testament to her skill, dedication, and perseverance. We are proud to stand with Jen as she breaks this barrier, and we look forward to welcoming more women into the umpiring profession.”
Pawol, a New Jersey native, worked spring training games over the past two years. She is the seventh female umpire to work a spring training game and the first since 2007.
“I felt ready. I felt prepared,” Pawol said during an interview after a 2024 Spring Training game between the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals.
Powal grew up playing softball in New Jersey and then joined Hofstra University’s softball program in 1996. She played three seasons as a catcher with the school, appearing in 161 games, and accumulating 169 hits, 109 runs scored, 102 runs batted in, 15 home runs, 22 stolen bases and 33 walks while batting .332 for her career
Powal was a three-time All-Conference pick and represented Team USA on its women’s national baseball team in 2001.
The 48-year-old broke into Major League Baseball’s umpiring ranks nine years ago at the Rookie Ball level after working at the NCAA level from 2010 to 2016.
“I’m really excited to be working in professional baseball now,” she said after making her Rookie Ball debut.
Pawol reached Triple-A in 2023, where she became the first female umpire ever to work its championship game.
The Durham Bulls, the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, said on X that the team wishes Pawol the best as she makes history.
Although this weekend will feature the first female umpire in MLB, other professional leagues have already crossed the gender barrier.
Violet Palmer became the first female official in NBA history in 1997. She went on to officiate over 900 games throughout her career.
Shannon Eastin became the first female NFL official in 2012 when regular officials were on lockout, and Sarah Thomas became the first full-time NFL referee in 2015.
There have been no female officials in the NHL. Jessica Campbell became the first female assistant coach in the NHL when she was hired by the Seattle Kraken prior to the start of the 2024 season.
MLB has had a female coach before, as Alyssa Nakken was hired by the San Francisco Giants in 2020. She now works in the Cleveland Guardians’ organization.
The series between the Braves and Marlins begins Friday at 7:15 p.m.
