Jen Pawol is an American baseball umpire who made history by becoming the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season game. She debuted on August 9, 2025, during a Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves doubleheader.
Before entering the world of umpiring, Jen was a talented softball player at Hofstra University and even represented the U.S. Women’s National Baseball Team. Her journey from West Milford, New Jersey, to the big leagues is a story of hard work, skill, and passion for the game. Known for her confident calls and calm presence on the field, Jen has inspired fans and players alike.
Her cap from her MLB debut is now in the Baseball Hall of Fame, a permanent reminder of her historic achievement.
Jen Pawol Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Jennifer Pawol |
| Date of Birth | December 29, 1976 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 48 years |
| Profession | Baseball Umpire, Former Art Teacher |
| Hometown | West Milford, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
Physical Details
| Height | Approx. 5’6”–5’8” |
| Weight | Approx. 60–70 kg |
| Hair Color | Brown |
Jen Pawol Early Life
Jen Pawol was born in West Milford, New Jersey. From a young age, she loved sports, especially softball and soccer. In high school, she was a catcher in softball and a goalie in soccer, earning All-State honors. Her impressive softball stats included a .538 batting average and 153 RBIs, while in soccer, she recorded 30 shutouts.
At just 15, she began umpiring local softball games for $15 each, quickly developing a passion for the role. Sadly, her mother, Victoria, passed away when Jen was 13. This brought her closer to her father, Jim Pawol, who supported her sports dreams.
Alongside sports, Jen also loved art. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts and later a Master of Fine Arts. Before becoming a professional umpire, she worked as an art teacher while umpiring on the side.
Jen Pawol Education
| School | West Milford High School, New Jersey |
| University | Hofstra University; Hunter College |
| Qualification | B.F.A., M.F.A., MiLB Umpire Training Academy |
Family Details
| Father | Jim Pawol |
| Mother | Victoria Pawol (deceased) |
Jen Pawol Career
Jen’s professional umpiring career began in 2016 after she attended the Minor League Baseball Umpire Training Academy. She started in the Gulf Coast League, becoming the seventh woman in MiLB history to umpire.
She steadily moved up the ranks, working in leagues like the New York-Penn League, Midwest League, Eastern League, and Triple-A. In 2023, she became the first woman in 34 years to umpire a Triple-A game and even worked the Triple-A National Championship.
Her big break came in 2025, when she was promoted to MLB. On August 9, 2025, she worked at first base for the Marlins-Braves game, later moving to third base for the second game. Her home plate debut was scheduled for the very next day.
Congratulations to Jen Pawol for becoming the first female umpire ever to work a regular season Major League game! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UZVOFo1lv8
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 9, 2025
Fans noticed her energetic style, such as fist-pump gestures on double plays. Many praised her professionalism and dedication, while her cap from her debut was placed in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement |
| 2016 | Started professional umpiring in Gulf Coast League |
| 2023 | First woman to umpire Triple-A in 34 years; worked Triple-A Championship |
| 2024 | Umpired MLB spring training games |
| 2025 | First female umpire in MLB regular season (August 9) |
| 2025 | Donated debut cap to Baseball Hall of Fame |
Net Worth
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $200,000–$500,000 |
| Main Income Sources | MLB & MiLB umpiring, former art teaching |
Jen’s earnings mainly come from her umpiring career. MLB umpires typically earn $50,000–$100,000 in starting salaries, while Triple-A umpires make $20,000–$40,000. Her years in minor leagues and her former career as an art teacher also contributed to her net worth.
Controversies
- Close Call Debate (2025): During her MLB debut, she made a controversial safe call at first base involving Braves catcher Sean Murphy. Some believed he was out, but the Marlins didn’t challenge the play. Opinions online were divided.
- Gender Scrutiny (2025): As the first female umpire in MLB, some questioned if her promotion was for “inclusion,” but many defended her skills and professionalism.
Sources:
- MLB.com
- ESPN
- Baseball Hall of Fame
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