• Jen Pawol will become the first female umpire in MLB history this weekend.
• She is scheduled to work both games of a doubleheader on Saturday and the plate on Sunday.
• Pawol has a background in NCAA softball and has worked in the minors since 2016.
• Her promotion follows similar milestones achieved in other major professional sports leagues.
• Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Pawol for setting an example for women in sports.

Jen Pawol is set to become the first woman to umpire in Major League Baseball (MLB) when she works the games this weekend between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves. Pawol will serve as the base umpire during Saturday’s doubleheader at Truist Park and will be behind home plate on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the league's history, according to SFGate and CBS News.

At 48 years old, Pawol's experience includes working as a minor league umpire since 2016 and officiating spring training games for two consecutive years. Following her upbringing as a standout athlete—excelling in both softball and soccer—Pawol transitioned to coaching and umpiring after realizing her passion for officiating. “Once I started umpiring, I was like, 'this is for me,’” she expressed, highlighting her commitment to the role she has now embraced, according to Reuters and HuffPost.

This landmark appointment is part of a broader trend in professional sports, as Pawol steps into a role that follows the breaking of gender barriers in the NBA and NFL over the past three decades. MLB has 76 full-time staff umpires and often incorporates fill-in umpires for games, illustrating a shift towards greater inclusivity within the sport. Notably, Pawol becomes the fifth new umpire to debut in the season, symbolizing ongoing progress in the sport, as noted by SFGate and Reuters.

Commissioner Rob Manfred commended Pawol’s achievement, stating, “This historic accomplishment in baseball is a reflection of Jen’s hard work, dedication, and love of the game.” This affirmation aligns with remarks from players and coaches, indicating growing support for gender diversity in sports officiating roles, as reported by CBS News and HuffPost.