The August 5 NESN broadcast of the Boston Red Sox game marked a historic moment in Major League Baseball media. For the first time in franchise history, the Red Sox game was called by an all-female crew — and it was also Alanna Rizzo’s debut in the play-by-play role, joined by Emma Tiedemann on color commentary.
Kasey Hudson handled sideline duties. The studio team included NESN’s Natalie Noury and The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey, while Amy Kaplan directed game production and Anna Gregoire produced the studio show.
Rizzo, a veteran presence on MLB Network and former Dodgers field reporter, had never before called a full game from the booth. The assignment paired her with Tiedemann, who usually handles radio duties for the Portland Sea Dogs, Boston’s Double-A affiliate.
The reactions online spanned a wide spectrum — from Reddit threads and X replies filled with enthusiastic support, to a few users noting nerves and pacing during early innings.
Feedback quickly evolved into praise as the game progressed and the team settled in. Many fans acknowledged the historical importance, while others simply called the night “fresh” and “fun to watch.”
Proud to host our annual Women's Celebration Night at Fenway! pic.twitter.com/WBvSgO1qgm
— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 5, 2025
As one Reddit commenter put it, “Hard not to be nervous when you know your performance is going to be taken as reflection of your entire gender’s ability to call a ballgame.” Another summed up the response in two words echoed throughout the comment section: “Hell yeah.”
“Hopefully we get to the point where it’s not a big deal — it’s just a bunch of women doing their jobs.”
— Alanna Rizzo, before her historic role in NESN’s first all-female Red Sox broadcast
While Rizzo and Tiedemann held down the NESN booth Tuesday, another historic debut is now set for this weekend.
Jen Pawol will become the first woman to umpire a regular-season Major League Baseball game when she joins the crew for the Marlins vs. Braves series in Atlanta. She will be on the field for both games of Saturday’s doubleheader (August 9) and behind the plate on Sunday, August 10 — a nationally televised moment on MLB Network.
Commissioner Rob Manfred said Pawol “earned this opportunity” after years of advancement through the minor leagues, culminating in a Triple-A crew chief role and assignments in MLB Spring Training over the past two years.
The Major League Baseball Umpires Association added, “Jen’s achievement is a testament to her skill, dedication, and perseverance.”
From NESN’s first all-women broadcast booth to the upcoming MLB debut of an on-field trailblazer, this week in baseball has offered more than just symbolism — it has delivered real reps and real change.
NESN aired the all-female Red Sox broadcast on Tuesday, August 5.
Jen Pawol will umpire the Marlins-Braves doubleheader on Saturday, August 9, and call balls and strikes on Sunday, August 10 — live on MLB Network.
WBN MLB: https://worldbaseball.com/league/mlb/
