Former Hofstra softball star Jen Pawol became the first female umpire in Major League Baseball history to appear in a regular-season game when she stepped onto the field for the first game of a doubleheader between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves on Saturday, Aug. 9.
The teams played four games in three days at Truist Park in Atlanta. Pawol worked in the field for the doubleheader and then got the opportunity to call balls and strikes on Sunday, Aug. 10.
“The dream actually came true today,” Pawol said after the doubleheader.
She said there were people in the stands that she had lost touch with over the years who came to support her on the historic day.
Pawol said she knew she had made it when she and crew chief Chris Guccione walked on the field before the game. She said Guccione told her, “This is what we worked for,” before the two shared a hug.
“This is one of the proudest moments I’ve been part of in all my career,” Guccione said after the game. “I mean, I’ve been blessed with working playoffs, I’ve worked two World Series, All-Star Games, and this one is right up there. It gives me chills, just like even thinking about it and the magnitude. I was just sitting here going — it kind of just hit me just now.”
Marlins Manager Clayton McCullough said Pawol seemed “composed” while behind the plate for the series finale on Sunday and called it “a big day for Major League Baseball.”
Pawol received praise 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.”
The cap worn from her first game was donated to the MLB Hall of Fame, as the museum called it, “a landmark day for women in baseball.”
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, when she became the first female umpire ever to work its championship game.
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 Braves won all three games Pawol was on the field for.
