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 — with Emma Tiedemann on play-by-play and Alanna Rizzo making her NESN debut as a color analyst.
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, made her NESN debut as a color analyst. The assignment paired her with Emma Tiedemann, who handled play-by-play duties and usually calls games on the radio for the Portland Sea Dogs, Boston’s Double-A affiliate.
Online reactions ranged widely — from early notes about nerves and pacing to enthusiastic support across Reddit and X. As the game progressed and the crew settled in, feedback turned overwhelmingly positive. Some fans emphasized the broadcast’s historical importance, while others simply called it “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 NESN debut as a color analyst on the Red Sox’ first all-female 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.
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Alanna Rizzo handled play-by-play duties. Rizzo served as the color analyst alongside Emma Tiedemann, who called the game.
