Jen Pawol, a 48-year-old from Long Island, New York, is poised to make history this weekend as the first female umpire in Major League Baseball in decades. She will work the bases during the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves games, marking a milestone in a career that began with a childhood passion for baseball.
Pawol's journey started at age seven when her parents took her to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. She later returned to donate her own gear to celebrate women in baseball. After umpiring in the minor leagues, she reached Triple A in April 2023, becoming the first woman to do so in 34 years.
Growing up, Pawol played softball because girls were not allowed to play baseball at the time. She was an all-state athlete in high school and earned a softball scholarship to Hofstra University, where she became a three-time all-conference catcher. She also played for the USA Baseball women's national team in 2001.
Pawol worked as an art teacher and earned a master's degree in painting from Hunter College. She began umpiring fastpitch softball on weekends to fund her tuition. In 2015, she attended an MLB umpire tryout camp, where she impressed instructors and was invited to the Umpire Training Academy.
She made her professional debut in the Gulf Coast League in 2016, becoming the first woman to umpire a Minor League Baseball game in nearly a decade. Pawol has faced additional scrutiny but remains focused on her performance. 'I can control my hustle, my calls, my professionalism,' she said in 2016.
Pawol hopes her achievements inspire more women to get involved in baseball. She has received support from players like Adam Wainwright, who praised her work. Despite the pressure, she remains dedicated to the game she loves. 'It's in my DNA,' she said.
