A Journey of Passion and Perseverance
Jen Pawol’s love for baseball began in the living room of her Long Island home, where the sport was always on television. Growing up with her parents, Victoria and Jim, she developed a deep connection to the game that would shape her life. Now 48, Pawol has spent decades working toward a historic milestone: becoming the first female umpire in Major League Baseball history.
From an early age, baseball was more than just a pastime for Pawol—it was a calling. “I love being on the field the whole time,” she said. “It’s in my DNA.” At seven years old, her parents took her to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, a trip that would later become a full-circle moment when she returned to donate her own gear, celebrating the legacy of women in baseball.
Pawol’s journey through the ranks of umpiring has been nothing short of remarkable. She started in the lower minor leagues and eventually reached Triple A, where she made history as the first woman to reach that level in 34 years. This weekend, she will make another historic appearance as the first female umpire in MLB history, working the bases during games between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves.
From Childhood Dreams to Professional Success
Pawol’s path wasn’t always clear. As a child, she begged her parents to let her play baseball, but at the time, girls were expected to play softball. She followed that path until her mother, Victoria, passed away suddenly from an aneurysm when Pawol was 13. Her father, Jim, became her rock, and together they supported each other through the loss. Their bond strengthened, and they remain close today.
She attended West Milford High School in New Jersey, where she excelled in both softball and soccer, earning all-state honors in both sports. She then went on to Hofstra University on a softball scholarship, where she played catcher and was named a three-time all-conference player. In 2001, she joined the USA Baseball women’s national team, further solidifying her place in the sport.
Despite her success on the field, Pawol felt there was something missing. After retiring from competitive play, she found a new passion in umpiring. “I wasn’t really satisfied,” she said. “Coming off a huge competitive career, I wasn’t getting my fix. I remember looking at the umpire and thinking, ‘I think that’s it.’”
Breaking Barriers and Building a Legacy
Pawol’s transition to umpiring was not without challenges. She worked as an art teacher while pursuing her master’s degree in painting from Hunter College in New York. On weekends, she umpired fastpitch softball to help fund her education. Over time, her skills earned her recognition, leading to opportunities in the NCAA and eventually a tryout with Major League Baseball.
At the 2015 MLB umpire tryout camp, Pawol stood out. When she met veteran umpire Ted Barrett, she jokingly reminded him, “You know I’m a woman, right?” Barrett was impressed and helped her gain entry into the Umpire Training Academy in Vero Beach, Florida. In 2016, she made her debut as the first woman to umpire a Minor League Baseball game in nearly a decade.
Throughout her career, Pawol faced additional scrutiny due to her gender. “I can control my hustle, my calls, my professionalism,” she said. “But gender and color and things like that, no one can control those.”
Despite the challenges, Pawol remained focused on her goals. She hoped her achievements might inspire more girls and women to get involved in the sport. She also credited the trailblazers who came before her, including Bernice Gera, Christine Wren, Pam Postema, and Ria Cortesio—women who fought for their place in a male-dominated sport.
A Legacy That Continues
In April 2023, Pawol reached another milestone by becoming the first female umpire in 34 years to reach Triple A. During a game in North Carolina, St. Louis Cardinals’ veteran Adam Wainwright approached her and praised her work. “Jen, I have four daughters and I think what you’re doing is awesome,” he said. Pawol, ever the professional, responded with a playful reminder: “I still got to check your hands.”
Her journey reflects the progress made in breaking down barriers in baseball. Unlike the women who came before her, Pawol didn’t have to change her name or pretend to be someone else. “You don’t have to change your name or pretend to be a boy. You just show up,” she said.
Today, Jen Pawol stands as a symbol of perseverance, determination, and the power of following one’s passion. Her story is not just about breaking records—it’s about paving the way for future generations of women in baseball.