Standing ovation as first female umpire for Major League Baseball takes to the pitch

August 10, 2025

Jen Pawol made history by becoming the first female umpire to referee a regular season Major League Baseball game, overseeing first base during a match between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves. The 48-year-old veteran official received a standing ovation from fans in Atlanta, who celebrated the milestone with supportive signs in the stands. After the game, Pawol donated her hat to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum to commemorate the historic occasion.

Who is affected

Jen Pawol as the first female MLB regular season umpire
Major League Baseball as an organization
Female officials in professional sports generally
Fans and spectators of baseball
The approximately 30 family members and friends who came to support Pawol
Current players, managers, and umpires who supported her

What action is being taken

Pawol is actively officiating MLB games in the series between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves
Pawol donated her hat to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Pawol is continuing to work the three-game series, including future assignments at third base and home plate
Fans are supporting Pawol's achievement with signs and standing ovations

Why it matters

It represents the first time a woman has umpired a regular season MLB game
It follows similar milestones in other major sports (NBA, NFL, men's soccer World Cup) where women broke barriers in officiating
It comes after Pawol's extensive 30-year career and experience officiating over 1,200 minor league games
It highlights that the NHL still has not had a female referee, placing MLB's progress in context

What's next

Pawol will return to the field to officiate at third base on Saturday night
Pawol will stand behind home plate calling balls and strikes in the final game of the three-game series on Sunday

Read full article from source: BBC