Jen Pawol made MLB history on Sunday as the first female umpire to officiate a big league game, marking a significant moment for women in baseball. Her debut behind home plate came after over a decade of service in the minor leagues, where she officiated more than 1,200 games. Pawol’s performance was praised by Marlins manager Clayton McCullough, who noted her composed demeanor and effective game management. ‘I think Jen did a really nice job,’ McCullough said, highlighting her ability to handle the pressures of the job with professionalism.
While her accuracy was slightly lower than the average for umpires this season, Pawol’s debut was hailed as a landmark event for women in the sport. UmpScorecards, which tracks umpire performance, reported that she called 92.72% of balls and strikes accurately, with a 140 out of 151 pitches called correctly. Despite her 88% strike accuracy, which aligns with the average for umpires, the relative accuracy was -1.4% below expected. However, her ability to maintain composure under pressure was recognized as a key strength in her debut.
Pawol, who played softball at Hofstra University, expressed her gratitude to Major League Baseball, her colleagues, and her family for their support. ‘I’m still living in it, and I’m just so grateful to my family, to Major League Baseball for just creating such an amazing work environment,’ she said. The milestone was celebrated by fans and industry insiders, with a loud cheer from fans at Truist Park in Atlanta during her debut. While her next assignment remains unspecified, her debut marked a significant step forward for women in baseball officiating.