The New Jersey native, who once starred on the softball diamond at Hofstra University, has spent years carving her path in professional baseball. And now, the stage is set for Jen Pawol this weekend, where the Atlanta Braves will open a four-game series against the Miami Marlins. After becoming a minor league umpire back in 2016, she’s worked over 1,200 games. She’s also taken part in spring training duties in both 2023 and 2024.

Pawol happens to be the first woman ever to umpire a Major League Baseball regular-season game. Backing her all along the way is Houston Astros manager Joe Espada. Earlier this week, Pawol acknowledged Espada’s support, who had always stood by her.

Jen Pawol discussed her journey to the major leagues on Thursday. Hofstra’s former all-conference catcher commended many who are in the umpire community. However, it was hard to miss when she credited Houston Astros manager Joe Espada.

“[Espada] came up to me [in Spring Training] and he was so excited. It was like the first inning and he said, ‘Jen, Jen, I know this is your year; you’re going to do it; it’s going to happen.’ So that’s kind of the enthusiasm that is happening. It’s a good time to be in the game,” Pawol said while talking to Tyler Kepner from The Athletic.

As Jen Pawol credited Espada’s support, she appeared genuinely moved. Espada was there for her during Pawol’s spring training experience. From the ones inside Daikin Park, it wasn’t surprising. Espada has always been loved by his players.

For Saturday’s doubleheader at Truist Park, Pawol will work the base paths. She’ll move behind the plate on Sunday for the series finale. Now, that is a fitting stage after all the work she has put in.

Jen Pawol’s milestone moment backed by years of resilience

Jen Pawol’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. It has caught the attention of Major League Baseball commissioner Robert Manfred Jr. “This historic accomplishment in baseball is a reflection of Jen’s hard work, dedication and love of the game. She has earned this opportunity, and we are proud of the strong example she has set, particularly for all the women and young girls who aspire to roles on the field.” Before embarking on the MLB professional level, Pawol umpired for an NCAA softball team from 2010 to 2016.

She then transitioned into baseball after attending the MLB Umpire Training Academy in 2015. “This is a viable career becoming a professional umpire—for men and women, girls and boys. I didn’t know that the first several years when I got into umpiring in amateur ball for 10 years,” Pawol said.

Her debut will be closely watched league-wide this weekend. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also chimed in on Pawol’s inclusion, saying, “Baseball’s done a great job of being completely inclusive… It’s good for the game.”

After all, her journey has been in the making for around 10 years. She started in 2016 at the rookie ball level as she worked her way up through the minors. By 2023, Pawol had made history as the first umpire at the Triple-A level across 34 years. She was chosen to be the home plate umpire for the Triple-A championship.

She has gained valuable experience officiating multiple games over the last two spring seasons. Pawol earned the role of Triple-A crew chief and a place on MLB’s call-up list. In a nutshell, she kept breaking barriers in 2024.