Unlikely World Series hero Ernie Clement sets MLB postseason record
Unlikely World Series hero Ernie Clement sets MLB postseason record in Game 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with the star notching his 30th hit of the Toronto Blue Jays' playoff run
Toronto Blue Jays star Ernie Clement made history in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, in the same game that saw a benches-clearing brawl between the two teams.
In the eighth inning, Clement, the Blue Jays' eighth-hole hitter, slapped a double off of Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Emmet Sheehan. As Clement ran to second base, a smile was strewn across his face, knowing that one hit could give Toronto added insurance wth him mere feet from home plate.
Though Clement's hit was important, it also was big in terms of history. The 29-year-old surpassed Randy Arozarena in 2020 for the most hits in a single postseason, with the latter notching 29 hits and the former posting his 30th hit of Toronto's playoff run.
Of note, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Clement's teammate, was just two hits away from surpassing Arozarena himself, accruing 28 hits during the same span. Clement's accomplishment marked a turnaround in his career after spending the first handful of seasons with the Cleveland Guardians.
Selected in the fourth round of the 2017 MLB Draft, Clement was promoted to the major leagues in 2021 as the 27th man on the Guardians' roster for the second game of a doubleheader against the Blue Jays. He did not play, however, and was optioned back to Triple-A the following day.
In June 2021, he made his debut and was used as a pinch hitter against the Seattle Mariners. After appearing in a total of 103 games for Cleveland, Clement was designated for assignment in September 2022.
Clement spent a brief period with the then-Oakland Athletics before he again was designated for assignment in March 2023. One day after he was designated for assignment, the star signed with the Blue Jays and thus began his ascent to stardom.
In 2024, Clement played at second base, shortstop, and third base, recording 10 defensive runs saved. Despite only playing 661 innings as a third baseman, he was named a finalist for a Gold Glove for third base.
Before Game 7 and making history, Clement explained what it meant to just be in the World Series with Toronto, especially with how his career has turned out with the Guardians and Athletics. From bouncing around the American League to landing with the Blue Jays, Clement's journey with Toronto was one he relished.
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“No matter how tonight goes, this is the most fun I've ever had playing baseball. It's the tightest group I've ever been a part of," he said, [h/t David Singh]. “You get to play with 30 of your best friends, and I don't think that happens every year.”
He also stated, per MILB.com: "I looked in the mirror and made some changes, and I’m just so grateful for the opportunity I’ve gotten here in Toronto. It’s everything I could have really ever asked for. I owe it to them to give it my all and, you know, prove them right for giving me an opportunity.”
For Blue Jays manager John Schneider, Clement represented Toronto's ethos and resilience. "Ernie kind of personifies us,” Schneider said, per MILB.com.
"I think he understands what he’s good at, competes every single day, and just loves the game. He just loves playing. He loves competing. I have joked, he loves competing when he golfs, he loves competing when he’s playing ping-pong. It’s just kind of who he is.”