Jen Pawol’s historic weekend will be forever remembered in Cooperstown.
The former Hofstra softball star who became the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball game, has donated the cap she wore Saturday in Atlanta to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
A landmark day for women in baseball and another Diamond Dream achieved.
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) August 9, 2025
Jen Pawol is donating the cap she wore in her @MLB umpiring debut to the Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/davkgjMAW5
“The dream actually came true today,” Pawol said after Saturday’s doubleheader between the Marlins and Braves. “I’m still living it. I’m so grateful to my family and Major League Baseball for creating such an incredible work environment. I’m just so thankful.”
Pawol worked first base in the early game before moving to third base for the nightcap. On Sunday, she was behind home plate for the series finale.
“I think she was very composed back there,” said Florida Marlins Manager Clayton McCullough. “She handled and managed the game very well.”
“I think she did a quality job,” said Marlins starting pitcher Cal Quantrill. “Yeah, I think she’d be very proud of herself.”
The 48-year-old had been a full-time Triple-A umpire since 2023 and worked Major League spring training games for the last two seasons. She got her start back in 2016 when she enrolled in the Minor League Baseball Umpire Training Academy in Florida.
Before that, Pawol was a standout catcher for Hofstra from 1996-1998 for legendary softball coach Bill Edwards.
“She’s a pioneer. She’s a trailblazer. She’s a role model for women,” Edwards told Greater Long Island last week. “Jen just proved that if you put your mind to something, you can accomplish it.”
Pawol was called up to the big leagues as a roving umpire, which means she is not assigned to any specific crew.
Her next assignment has not been announced yet.
Top: Umpires Chris Guccione, left, and Jen Pawol, right, react to fans in the crowd at the conclusion of the first baseball game of a doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
