Jose Berrios expects butterflies ahead of start in Blue Jays home opener | CBC Sports

Speaking to media a day before the home opener, Berrios said that he’s trying not to think about pitching in front of a sold-out crowd just yet.

“But maybe it will be like when I made my debut or when I played in the World Baseball Classic, something like that,” said Berrios. “I’ll have that feeling like when you feel like butterflies inside, but that’s why we work, that’s why we play.”

The Blue Jays have not had a home opener in Toronto since 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, Toronto played out of Dunedin, Fla., and Buffalo, N.Y., for all of 2020 and most of 2021. When they were permitted to play at Rogers Centre last season, it was at reduced capacity as part of Ontario’s safety protocols.

“Honestly, that’s why we work, you know? We want to be in that situation, that scenario, where we have that big crowd cheering for us,” said Berrios. “That motivates us to go out and give 100 per cent every day.”

WATCH | Blue Jays test new pitch-calling technology:

Toronto Blue Jays try out new pitch-calling device

The Toronto Blue Jays are testing some new technology during spring training: a pitch-calling device that allows the catcher to wirelessly transmit a signal to the pitcher, preventing sign-stealing attempts and speeding up the pace of play. 2:01

Berrios will wear custom-made cleats when he pitches on Friday. The flashy red, white, and blue shoes feature the letters VSD — the initials of his childrens’ first names — on the toes of his right foot. It also has a Blue Jays logo on the toes of his left foot, Toronto’s skyline around the heels, as well as his jersey number.

“I wanted to make it special for a special night,” said Berrios as his son Diego played on the Rogers Centre turf behind him, spelling out the letter D in baseballs.