The moment was documented by retired Canadian Press photographer Paul Chiasson, who snapped the father-son duo in their matching jerseys as they tipped their hats to the crowd.
Weyman knew both the quote and youthful photo of fan-favourite player Guerrero Jr. would make for a great design in support of the Jays’ World Series run. And he was right — since being worn by Guerrero Jr. and Bichette, Jays fans across the country have buzzed about the t-shirt.
The artist’s shirts, which he now sells online, have sold quickly, with limited stock left. He’s even noticed counterfeit t-shirts with his design being offered online, signalling the high demand.
Still, Weyman is proud to create art that resonates with his fellow Torontonians.
How the shirt reached the Jays players
Weyman was in New York City last week when he was struck with inspiration for his t-shirt design, so he called friends in Toronto to ask them to print the illustration on 50 shirts, which he planned to pick up when he returned home.
His intention was to give the tees to friends and family so they could wear them while watching the World Series together.
That plan was fast-tracked when his cousin called to invite him to watch Game 1 of the World Series at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Weyman didn’t want to miss the chance to wear his newly designed t-shirt at the game.
Without another moment of hesitation, he purchased a Porter Airlines flight out of New York through Expedia and headed to Newark Liberty International Airport. In his haste, Weyman didn’t realize his flight was actually departing from LaGuardia Airport.
Desperate to get to Toronto in time for the game, he asked the Newark check-in agent if there was anything he could do. His only option was to purchase a new ticket.
“She runs my credit card for another $450 and she looks at me and says, ‘It’s OK, it happened for a reason,’” Weyman recalled. Despite his disappointment, the artist said “her words were sticking with me.”
While waiting to board his plane, Weyman was hopeful he’d encounter the silver lining that the agent had foretold. He began showing his t-shirt design from his phone to everyone he saw wearing Jays gear in the airport.
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Little did he know, one of those people was the brother of Jays general manager John Schneider.
The pair hit it off, and at the game that night, Weyman delivered t-shirts to the Schneider family, as well as an extra one for Guerrero Jr., accompanied by a hand-written note that read, “The city is yours, bring it home.”
The Jays will play Game 6 of the World Series this Friday at the Rogers Centre.
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