Montoyo hopes to create more Buffalo memories in Jays’ home away from home

For the most part though, the improvements were barely recognizable to some as the Jays, in consultation with the Bisons and Major League Baseball, spent two hectic weeks getting Sahlen Field as close to big-league standards as possible.

Four full transport trucks made the way from Toronto bringing clubhouse furniture, weight room gear and more. The lighting was upgraded to major-league standards, the infield grass was replaced, a massive tent was constructed as the visitor’s clubhouse while the home clubhouse was expanded and enhanced.

“We brought a lot from home and that was on purpose,” said Starkman, one of the leaders of the transformation team. “One of the objectives we got from Ross and Charlie was to make this feel as home as close as you can.

“We packed up our entire weight room. All of the clubhouse chairs from home. From a branding standpoint, anything we owned, that was packed up.”

The overhaul has not gone unnoticed and will surely be appreciated by a group that largely has become accustomed to and comfortable with the accoutrements of The Show.

Because of the shortened season, players will be residing in a nearby hotel rather than renting more permanent accommodation, but at least they will feel at home.

“It’s really, really comfortable, far more than any of us remember it being when we were down here in the minors,” one Jays player said via text. “There isn’t a perfect situation in any stadium this year with all the protocols we are dealing with and rightfully so. But this is going to work and the more we get used to it, the more we are going to like it.”