Jen Pawol is set to make history this weekend as the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball regular-season game. Scheduled to officiate during the upcoming series between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park, Pawol will serve on the bases for both games of Saturday’s doubleheader and then take position behind the plate for the series finale on Sunday.

At 48 years old, Pawol has been a minor league umpire since 2016 and has officiated Spring Training games in 2024 and 2025. She is currently among 17 Triple-A call-up umpires eligible to substitute in MLB games.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred commended Pawol's achievement, highlighting it as a reflection of her dedication and an inspiring example for women and girls aspiring to work in the sport.

Pawol's promotion follows a broader trend of female officials breaking gender barriers in major sports leagues. In the NFL, Shannon Eastin became the first female official during a 2012 preseason game, while Sarah Thomas became the first woman with a full-time NFL officiating position in 2015 and officiated the Super Bowl in 2021. In the NBA, Violet Palmer and Dee Kantner broke ground as referees in 1997.

Players and managers across the league have expressed support and appreciation for Pawol's promotion, recognizing it as a positive and inclusive step forward for baseball.