Braxton Berrios hurls first pitch in Miami, draws reactions for vivid attire

New York Jets WR Braxton Berrios got the Hurricanes’ ACC series vs. Virginia started on the right note

Braxton Berrios might’ve signed with the wrong New York team this offseason. Perhaps the Mets and Yankees should have sought his services.

The New York Jets‘ special teams standout made a different kind of return last Friday night, making an appearance at the University of Miami’s baseball game against the Virginia Cavaliers. Berrios was invited to throw out the first pitch, which opened not only the Hurricanes’ 6-2 win but a weekend sweep of UVA at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.

For his moment on the mound, Berrios donned the jacket of Miami’s Iron Arrow Honor Society, whose members strive for “the protection, improvement, and general welfare of the University”.

The receiver/returner commemorated his experience in a Thursday Instagram post, showcasing his pitch and his commiserating with current Miami baseball reps afterward. His photo series is accompanied by the caption “The pitch brought the heat, but the jacket was fire”.

That draws a mockingly annoyed response from Jets teammate Greg Van Roten, who declares “Ugh – the caption” before being talked down by Berrios in the ensuing thread.

Former Miami teammate David Njoku is far more supportive of Berrios’ jacket, as the current Cleveland Brown says he wants one of his own. The Jets’ official account likewise offered its support, simply declaring “strike”. 

Gang Green is certainly glad that Berrios opted to trade his mitt for receiving gloves. The former Hurricane is coming off a memorable breakout season with the Jets, averaging a league-best 30.4 yards on kick returns en route to first-team All-Pro honors. He re-upped with the Jets on a two-year, $12 million deal back in March and has spent his non-diamond endeavors training with quarterback Zach Wilson and his fellow receivers.

The Miami baseball team (27-7, 13-3 ACC) is seeking its third consecutive postseason appearance. They’ll return to action on Friday night to open another conference trio against Virginia Tech on the road (7 p.m. ET, ACCNX).

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags