On Tuesday afternoon in Peoria, during the Seattle Mariners’ spring training game against the Chicago White Sox, Jen Pawol made an unmistakable impact as the home plate umpire. Pawol’s presence behind the plate captured attention not only because of her role but also due to her status as a trailblazer in Major League Baseball umpiring. This moment highlighted Josh Naylor greeting her warmly before his at-bat, lending significance to the game beyond the on-field action. The focus on Josh Naylor greets umpire emerged as a compelling moment reflecting inclusion and respect in baseball.
Jen Pawol’s Trailblazing Journey in MLB Umpiring
Jen Pawol made history last year when she became the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball regular season game. On August 9, she officiated at third base during Game 2 of a doubleheader between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves. The following day marked another groundbreaking achievement as Pawol was positioned behind home plate, becoming the first female umpire to call balls and strikes in a major league game. This season, she has continued to break barriers as one of the scarce female umpires officiating spring training games, making her role in the Mariners’ game particularly noteworthy.
Josh Naylor’s Respectful Greeting Sets the Tone
During the bottom of the first inning, Mariners debutant Brendan Donovan led off with a single, followed by Cal Raleigh drawing a walk and Julio Rodríguez reaching base on a hit by pitch. With the bases loaded, Josh Naylor stepped up to bat and offered a memorable gesture. Before taking his at-bat, Naylor smiled and shook hands with umpire Jen Pawol, acknowledging her historic place in the game and offering a respectful welcome.
Jen Pawol who last year became the first woman to ump a Major League game is behind the plate for the M’s today. Josh Naylor stepped to the plate, smiled and shook her hand before taking his 1st at bat.
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) February 24, 2026
Personal Reflections from Naylor on Meeting Pawol
The following day in the clubhouse, Josh Naylor spoke about his interaction with Pawol, describing it as both an act of friendliness and an acknowledgment of seeing an umpire he had not encountered before. He emphasized the importance of welcoming everyone back to baseball after the offseason.
I’m just like really welcoming everyone back to baseball,
Naylor said.
Like all the umpires, I really have a good relationship with them. So I just shake their hand, say welcome back to baseball. And then I didn’t know her. So I said, ‘Hey, I’m Josh. Nice to meet you. Welcome back to baseball. Hope all as well.’
At the time of their meeting, Naylor was unaware that Pawol was the first woman to umpire an MLB game but expressed excitement after learning more about her pioneering role.
I had no idea, he reflected.
But that’s super cool. I mean, it’s a super cool accomplishment for her. It changes the game in a really cool way.
Women Making Strides Throughout Baseball
While female umpires remain rare in professional baseball, women have made noticeable advancements as coaches. Naylor cited his experience with a female hitting coach in the Cleveland Guardians minor league system during spring training, demonstrating growing inclusion in the sport’s professional ranks.
I’d always say hi, welcome her. And kindness is easy and it’s free. Why not be it every day?
he said.
The Importance of Inclusion and Kindness in Baseball
Naylor emphasized that his welcome to Pawol was a natural expression of inclusiveness and respect for diversity within the game. He underscored his commitment to treating everyone equally, regardless of race, gender, background, or language, highlighting the power of simple kindness.
I just made sure to introduce myself and make her feel comfortable and that she’s welcome because she is,
he shared.
I want to be inclusive with everyone, no matter race, no matter gender. Really where you’re from, what language you speak. It’s not hard to be inclusive and welcoming and happy. I think it could change the world.
This moment of connection was observed even from the broadcast booth and set a tone for the day, reminding all involved in the game of the value of respect and the evolving culture in professional baseball.
Spring Training Outlook and Ongoing Developments
The Mariners’ camp in Peoria continues to showcase new and returning talents as the roster battles for positions ahead of the regular season. Mariners prospect Colt Emerson has already been singled out as a spring standout, while Brendan Donovan made an immediate impression in his Cactus League debut. Analysts like MLB Network’s Amsinger and Buster Olney have voiced optimistic predictions for the Mariners, including expectations for notable players such as Julio Rodríguez to enter their prime seasons soon.
Not the best angle, but a nice gesture by Josh Naylor to introduce himself and shake hands with home-plate umpire Jen Pawol just now.
Pawol made history last season as the first woman to umpire a regular-season MLB game. pic.twitter.com/FfQl2CrYcb
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) February 24, 2026
Jen Pawol who last year became the first woman to ump a Major League game is behind the plate for the M's today. Josh Naylor stepped to the plate, smiled and shook her hand before taking his 1st at bat.
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) February 24, 2026
