Blue Jays' Ernie Clement pens heartfelt letter on his unlikely rise, World Series run ahead of Opening Day
Photo credit: Toronto Blue Jays - https://www.mlb.com/bluejays
Ernie Clement has always had a deep passion for the game of baseball, but what’s become even more meaningful to him is wearing the the Toronto Blue Jays uniform.
Ernie Clement’s new first‑person piece 'Dear Jays Fans' in The Players’ Tribune lands just as the Toronto Blue Jays prepare to open their season at home on Friday, with the fan-favourite discussing his rise from minor-league signing to near-World Series hero.
Clement wrote candidly about his path from a minor-league signee to a key contributor on a team that came within reach of a championship.
He doesn’t shy away from the tougher chapters of his career.
Clement details the early grind, moving between organizations, struggling offensively, and dealing with the instability that comes with being released, placed on waivers, or passed over.
“Of the minor league deals I got offered as a free agent, a few were for more money. But Toronto was the only team that offered me regular at-bats. They promised I’d be in the lineup ‘four or five times a week.’ That was all I needed to hear,” penned Clement.
That opportunity, and the belief the Blue Jays showed in him, proved to be a turning point, even before his performance caught up.
Clement credits that trust, along with the welcoming clubhouse environment, for helping him settle in and finally play with confidence.
He also shares how his connection with fans grew over the course of the season, as both his performance and recognition steadily climbed.
“As the season kept going, I started swinging the bat a little bit,” Clement explained. “And we started winning a lot. And pretty soon, more and more people started to recognize me. And then more and more people started to come up to me to chat, or to give me knucks, or to wish me good luck. And by the end of the season? I’d even have people waiting outside my building on game day.”
Clement emerged as one of Toronto’s standout stories in 2025, posting nine home runs, 50 RBIs, and 35 doubles over 135 games.
Clement reflects on World Series Game 7 heartbreak
He also revisits the team’s postseason run, where he became one of October’s breakout performers, setting a new all-time playoff hits record with 30.
"So then it’s Game 7, another walkoff situation, explains Clement, and I come up against Yamamoto. First pitch … I have this feeling he’s throwing me a big curveball. I figure they know I’m on the fastball, always, so they’re gonna try to get me out front, to roll one over. So in my head I’m like, If it’s first pitch curveball … no matter what … I’m putting my best swing on it. Then he spins the curve right in there."
“And then they collide…..… and I don’t see the ball…..…. And I’m like, ‘Oh my God. One of them caught it.’ Two innings later, it was over,” Clement wrote.
“And then they collide…..… and I don’t see the ball…..…. And I’m like, ‘Oh my God. One of them caught it.’ Two innings later, it was over,” Clement wrote.
Known for his contact-heavy approach, Clement finished the postseason with an impressive .411/.416/.562 slash line across 18 games, with his 22 singles setting another playoff record.
Heading into 2026, he’s expected to take on a major role as the team’s starting second baseman, while also providing flexibility across the infield at third base and shortstop.
He may even slot in at first base occasionally to give Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a break when needed.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Blue Jays' George Springer, Ernie Clement sit in wrong seats at Leafs game
Blue Jays' George Springer, Ernie Clement sit in wrong seats at Leafs game
| POLL | ||
MARS 26|133 ANSWERS Blue Jays' Ernie Clement pens heartfelt letter on his unlikely rise, World Series run ahead of Opening Day Do you think Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement will have an even better season in 2026? | ||