Umpire Jen Pawol’s first MLB game behind the plate went about as expected for a rookie.
The major leagues’ first female umpire, who made her debut on the bases during Saturday’s Braves-Marlins doubleheader, called 92.72 percent of balls and strikes accurately during Sunday’s series finale, getting 140 of the 151 taken pitches accurate, according to UmpScorecards.
The umpire average for the 2025 season is 94.23 percent, per UmpScorecard data.
Pawol’s called ball accuracy was 95 percent, with five of 104 balls called inaccurately; the average is 97 percent, per UmpScorecards.
Her called strike accuracy was 88 percent, with six of 47 strikes called inaccurately; the average is 88 percent.
“I think Jen did a really nice job,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said after his team’s 7-1 loss on Sunday.
“I think she’s very composed back there. She handled and managed the game very well. And big day for her. Big day for Major League Baseball. I congratulated her again on that because it’s quite the accomplishment.”
Pawol, 48, is a West Milford, N.J., native who played softball at Hofstra. She has more than 1,200 minor league games on her résumé across the last 10 seasons.
She received support from Braves fans in Atlanta when she made history on Saturday.
“It was amazing when we took the field,” Pawol said. “It seemed like quite a few people were clapping and calling my name. That was pretty intense and emotional.”
Pawol worked first base during the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader and third base for the second game.
“She did a good job,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said Saturday. “You can tell she knows what she does.”
Pawol is a rover called up from the minors, so her next MLB assignment is unclear.
