Jen Pawol did the punch-out signal in the top of the first inning, highlighting MLB's first behind-the-plate umpire performance by a female in Atlanta.

Pawol's rise to make MLB history came 28 years after the NBA gender barrier for game officials was broken and 10 years after the NFL hired its first full-time female official. The men's soccer World Cup first hired a female referee three years ago. The NHL has not had any women as on-ice officials.

Jen Pawol made MLB debut as the first female umpire to call balls and strikes on Sunday, earning praise from Marlins manager for her composed performance throughout the nine innings.