URGENT UPDATE: Jen Pawol is about to make history as she prepares for her highly anticipated Major League Baseball debut on July 15, 2023, becoming the first female umpire in over 150 years. The emotional announcement came just two days ago while she was in her hotel room in Nashville, Tennessee.
Pawol, who will officiate at the bases during a doubleheader between Miami and Atlanta, expressed her overwhelming excitement: “I was overcome with emotion. It was super emotional to finally be living that phone call that I’d been hoping for and working towards,” she shared during a Thursday press conference. Her voice trembled with pride and anticipation as she prepares to step onto the field this weekend.
This groundbreaking achievement is not just a personal victory for Pawol; it represents a significant moment for women in sports. Pawol’s journey began in the early 1990s when she was first introduced to umpiring by a friend in high school. Starting from humble beginnings, she earned just $15 per game, but her passion for baseball fueled her desire to rise through the ranks.
After years of dedication and hard work, including over 1,200 minor league games, Pawol caught the attention of former MLB umpire Ted Barrett, who recognized her potential during an umpire camp in 2015. “Moreso than any female that I’d seen, she looked like she could handle the rigors of the job physically,” Barrett remarked. He then invited her to attend crucial training sessions, paving the way for her future.
Pawol’s ascent through the professional umpiring ranks has been marked by perseverance and resilience. She moved up from the Gulf Coast League in 2016 to various leagues, including the New York/Penn League and the Triple-A International League, receiving a call-up for big league spring training in both 2024 and 2025.
As she prepares for this historic moment, Pawol is not only focused on her personal milestone but also on the message it sends to future generations. “I hope this inspires young girls to pursue their dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem,” she said, reflecting on the support she’s received from fellow female umpires and mentors throughout her career.
Friends and family, including approximately 30 supporters, will be in attendance to witness this momentous occasion. Pawol’s journey symbolizes a significant shift in the world of sports, where barriers are being shattered one game at a time.
As we count down to this landmark event, fans and advocates of gender equality in sports are eagerly awaiting the impact of Pawol’s debut. “The hopes of this are that it inspires,” Barrett concluded. “Who knows, there’ll be a young lady watching the game on TV and says, ‘Hey, I’d like to try that.'”
Stay tuned for real-time updates as Jen Pawol steps into the history books this weekend. This is a moment not to be missed!