The "Eve of Toronto" has produced a captivating follow-up in the form of a new painting by star pitcher Dylan Cease, which now adorns the wall of Blue Jays manager John Schneider's office at Rogers Centre. This latest work, dubbed “Tom Selleck,” features the actor's name sprawled across a vibrant canvas.
Cease, who first ventured into painting in 2022, expressed his inspiration for this latest piece, stating, "I recently watched 'Mr. Baseball' and 'Quigley Down Under'." His admiration for Selleck led him to create a tribute that he describes as "just fun, just being goofy." The painting took him approximately three hours to complete, showcasing the player's creative side outside of baseball.
Schneider shared a humorous moment from their recent interactions. He recounted Cease mentioning thoughts about Selleck's iconic moustache, which several people remarked resembled Cease’s own. "I was like, 'Why Tom Selleck?'" Schneider recalled. It seems that Cease's art reflects both his personal interests and a playful spirit.
Cease, who has emerged as the ace of the Toronto pitching staff, recently had his previous work displayed at the prestigious Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), marking a significant milestone in his artistic journey. His painting “Eve of Toronto” was showcased in the gallery's central atrium in August 2026, during an event where fans were able to appreciate both his art and interact with Cease himself.
In addition, a limited-edition retail collection featuring prints, postcards, shirts, and totes was launched, with all proceeds benefiting charity. Following the removal of Cease's original painting for the gallery display, a replacement print now hangs in Schneider's office. This artwork humorously references “Wedding Crashers” with a line stating, 'The painting was a gift, Todd.'
Schneider expressed his surprise at the unexpected gift from Cease, stating, "I didn’t ask for it, but I showed up after a game and it was there." The new piece, which includes a card that reads "On Loan from Cease Gallery," is adorned with an explosion of colorful flowers surrounding the vibrant letters.
Reflecting on Tom Selleck, Cease remarked on the actor’s iconic image but also his appealing personality. "He just seemed like a nice guy," Cease said, indicating that he has a fondness for Selleck that goes beyond his on-screen roles. By painting Selleck, Cease has essentially elevated the actor to an artistic icon in his own right.
Dylan Cease, now 30, signed a lucrative seven-year, US$210-million contract with the Blue Jays during the previous winter. His current performance includes a solid 10-5 record along with a 2.40 earned-run average over 27 starts in the ongoing season, showcasing his dual talent in both athletics and the arts.
