From Underdog to Unstoppable: Ernie Clement Makes MLB Postseason History

Ernie Clement sliding home in Game 7 of the World Series, courtesy of CBC Sports

A new player holds the record for most hits and multi-hit games in a single postseason, and he's exactly who everyone predicted: Ernie Clement.

This was Clement's first time playing in the postseason, and he took October baseball by storm.

Clement is the first player in MLB history to record 30 hits in a single postseason, the first player in MLB history with 10 multi-hit games in a single postseason, and he and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. became the first pair of teammates in MLB history to each record 25+ hits in a single postseason.

From his amazing defensive plays to his energy to the genuine love for the game he displays, Clement is such an easy player to root for.

“My favorite thing about Ernie Clement, besides his baseball skills, is that he just doesn’t give a [damn],” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “Any situation, he’s ready to play. He’s got a mentality that I think guys feed off."

Third time was the charm for Clement. He was brought up through Cleveland's system and played for the Guardians (where he quickly became my favorite player) for two seasons before having a brief stint with the Athletics, and was then finally picked up by the Blue Jays in 2023. His third year with Toronto was his best one yet.

"Unbelievable run that he was on this entire postseason and, man, he's turned himself from what people think was a waiver wire pickup or a guy that's kicked around the Minors,” Schneider said, “he's turned himself into an everyday Major Leaguer that is going to contribute to win a world championship.”

Ernie Clement records his MLB record 30th hit of the postseason, courtesy of MLB

Clement is one of the best and most versatile defensive players in the league. His main position is third base, but he's also taken over in the middle infield, at first base, and has experience in the corner outfield positions (he's also pitched and once served as the emergency backup catcher, warming up pitchers between innings for Cleveland). This season, he led all of MLB in defensive wins above replacement (dWAR) at 2.9 and tied with Guardians Steven Kwan for the most defensive runs saved at 22. He won the Fielding Bible Award for multi-position, and was only the second player to have at least 10 defensive runs saved at two infield positions (10 at second base, 11 at third base) in one season. To top it all off, he played an amazing defense (nothing new there) while wearing a glove he bought on eBay!

He was ROBBED of a Gold Glove this season, and I still can't wrap my head around it.

Clement's defense has always been incredible, but becoming an everyday player finally allowed his offense to develop and flourish. He officially became an everyday player this season, primarily playing at third base but also filling in when needed in the other infield positions, and saw career highs in regular-season games played (16 more than last season) and at-bats (111 more than last season). He recorded 151 hits (37 more than last season), 217 total bases (40 more than last season), 46 extra-base hits (10 more than last season), drew 27 walks (16 more than last season), and slashed .277/.313/.398 in his first season as a qualified hitter.

Anyone who knows me and follows me knows that I've been a fan of Clement for several years now, and I'm so happy to see the success he's having and the history he's making. While I wish he had a World Series ring and a Gold Glove or two to go along with this extraordinary season, that doesn't take away from his accomplishments that are now cemented in the MLB record books.

Congratulations to Ernie Clement and the Toronto Blue Jays on a great and exciting season! Spring training can't come soon enough.

(And go Bills!)

Edited by: Kelly Cassette