Toronto Artist’s Viral T-Shirt Celebrates Guerrero Jr. Ahead of Game 7

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette drew significant attention during warm-ups at the Rogers Centre ahead of Game 2 of the World Series last weekend, thanks to a custom t-shirt featuring a young Vladimir Guerrero Jr. along with the phrase “born ready.” The shirt quickly went viral, capturing the hearts of fans and leading to its endorsement by Guerrero Jr. himself and even Toronto’s Mayor, Olivia Chow.

The shirt’s creation stemmed from an inspiring moment during Guerrero Jr.’s interview with Sportsnet reporter Hazel Mae after the Blue Jays’ Game 6 victory against the Seattle Mariners in the American League Championship Series (ALCS). In response to a question about the significance of advancing to Game 7, Guerrero Jr. confidently declared, “I was born ready. I was born ready, and I want it all for this city.” This phrase has since become a rallying cry among Blue Jays supporters.

Creative Inspiration and Quick Popularity

The t-shirt design is the brainchild of Toronto-based artist Kit Weyman. Weyman was inspired by both the memorable quote and a nostalgic photograph from 2002, where a three-year-old Guerrero Jr. is seen on the field with his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., at a Montreal Expos game. The image, captured by retired Canadian Press photographer Paul Chiasson, shows the father-son duo tipping their hats to the crowd in matching jerseys.

Weyman recognized the potential for a unique design that would resonate with fans during the Blue Jays’ World Series journey. Since its debut, the t-shirt has gained substantial traction, leading to a rapid sell-out of his limited stock. The demand has even led to counterfeits appearing online, reflecting the shirt’s popularity among fans.

“I want to uplift the city and this community that has given so much to me,” Weyman expressed. “This is the best city in the world.”

A Race Against Time and Serendipitous Encounters

Weyman’s journey to bring the t-shirts to fans took an unexpected turn. While in New York City, he was struck by inspiration for the design and arranged for 50 shirts to be printed in Toronto. Initially, his plan was to distribute these shirts among family and friends for Game 1 of the World Series.

When his cousin invited him to the game, Weyman quickly decided he needed to be there. He booked a last-minute flight with Porter Airlines, only to realize he was at the wrong airport. Faced with a $450 ticket purchase to make it to Toronto in time, he felt disheartened. Yet, a check-in agent’s words—“It happened for a reason”—stuck with him as he navigated the airport.

While waiting to board, Weyman began showing off his t-shirt design to fellow Jays fans. To his surprise, one of those fans was the brother of John Schneider, the general manager of the Blue Jays. This chance meeting led to Weyman delivering t-shirts to the Schneider family at the game, including a special one for Guerrero Jr. with a handwritten note that read, “The city is yours, bring it home.”

As the Blue Jays prepare for a decisive Game 7 of the World Series, Weyman’s artwork serves as a symbol of hope and community spirit in Toronto. The blend of creativity, chance encounters, and a shared love for baseball has turned a simple t-shirt into a cherished emblem for fans eager to support their team.