MEXICO CITY >> When El Aguila de Veracruz called with an opportunity to try out for a spot on their roster ahead of the start of the Mexican Baseball League, Kelsie Whitmore accepted but knew she needed to learn Spanish. Pronto.

The 26-year-old Whitmore is a pitcher and an outfielder who was the first female player in an MLB-partnered league while suiting up for the Staten Island FerryHawks in the Atlantic League in 2022.

A week ago, the American arrived at Veracruz, a port located on the Gulf of Mexico coast. She’s trying to become the first woman to play in the Mexican Baseball League.

“I feel awesome. It’s been a great time and at the end of the day, even though the environment is different and the place I’m in is different, it’s still the same game,” Whitmore told The Associated Press. “I’m thankful to be here, develop and compete.”

In Mexico, the only woman to have played professionally is Rosi del Castillo, a pitcher who played in men’s professional regional leagues, but not the top tier.

The Mexican Baseball season starts next week, and there is not a deadline yet to get a deal done. The team has no more preseason games scheduled, and the decision might come in the next few days.

Whitmore is in Mexico trying to win a spot as a pitcher. She made her debut with the team as a reliever in a preseason game against the Puebla Pericos last weekend pitching one inning and allowing a hit.

Whitmore said her teammates have been very respectful and professional with her so far, but the language barrier has prevented her from connecting more with them.

“I think I got a couple of Te Amo’s (I love you) from the crowd when I was pitching,” Whitmore said with a smile. “It’s been good, all positive, I did download Duolingo and I’m still on level one. So, we’ll see if we’re, we’re trying to progress into it.”

If she makes the team, she will have plenty of time to learn Spanish.