Mariner Josh Naylor's Spring Training Handshake Goes Viral

Before stepping into the batter's box with bases loaded during a spring training game, Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor did something that caught everyone's attention. He extended his hand to home plate umpire Jen Pawol with a wide grin, introducing himself and offering a genuine welcome back to baseball.

The moment resonated because Pawol made history last August as the first woman ever to umpire an MLB regular-season game. She worked first and third base during a Braves-Marlins doubleheader, then took her place behind home plate the following day.

For Naylor, the gesture wasn't calculated or performative. "I like to show respect and kindness to everyone, boy or girl, female or male, regardless of race and regardless of gender," he explained after the game in Peoria, Arizona.

He added that he greeted the entire umpiring crew that day, expressing his joy about returning to spring games after the long offseason. "Everyone has been away for so long, and I really enjoy playing baseball," Naylor said.

Still, his exchange with Pawol stood out as a perfect example of how small acts of recognition can make a big difference. "I was just raised to be kind," Naylor said simply. "Kindness is free. It's not hard to be a good person."

Sunny's Take

Pawol's journey to the major leagues took dedication and persistence. She began umpiring in Rookie ball in 2016 and worked her way through over 1,200 Minor League games across every affiliate level over 10 seasons.

In 2023, she became the first female umpire to reach Triple-A in 34 years. That same year, she called balls and strikes for the Triple-A Championship game, then became a Triple-A crew chief in 2024.

Her path included another milestone in 2024 when she became the first woman to umpire a Spring Training game since Ria Cortesio in 2007. Now she's continuing to work spring games as she builds her major league career.

Naylor acknowledged the significance of her accomplishment. "It's a great accomplishment for her and the game," he said.

The entire interaction lasted just seconds before Naylor turned his focus back to hitting. But those few moments demonstrated how effortless it can be to make someone feel seen and valued, and that sometimes the smallest gestures leave the biggest impressions.