History was made on Aug. 9 in Atlanta as Jen Pawol became the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball regular-season game. Pawol worked first base during Game 1 of the Atlanta Braves’ doubleheader against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park, stepping onto the field grinning as fans rose to cheer.

Players welcomed her warmly during the lineup card exchange, and several fans held signs reading, “Welcome to The Show, Jen,” and “Thank you, Jen! From girls and women everywhere.” Pawol admitted the moment was “intense and very emotional,” but once the first pitch was thrown, she was all business ? making sharp, decisive calls on close plays.

After the Braves’ 7-1 win, Pawol called the day “a dream come true,” thanking her family, colleagues, and MLB for the support. She later donated her game-worn hat to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

A former minor league umpire since 2016, Pawol’s historic debut not only broke barriers but also inspired a new generation of fans who aspire to roles on the field.

Yesel Kang
Copy Editor
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