Ernie Clement shows why the Blue Jays Will be back to the World Series in 2026

Ernie Clement

​Just after the Blue Jays lost the seventh game in their series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ernie Clement sat and cried. It wasn’t just the loss, it was all about his teammates.

“I love these guys, he said.

Clement did an incredible job on the field, usually as the third baseman. But it was his hitting that was soo impressive. He has a short compact swing and tags the ball between the opposition fielders, often hitting singles, but sometimes even a homer.

Clement swings at everything. In fact, one announcer concluded: “He’s never met a pitch he didn’t like.”

Above all, he’s a team guy, the heart and soul of the Toronto Blue Jays. 

For many, Toronto used to be a city with no heart. There was that old joke about a contest, first prize was one week in Toronto, second prize was two weeks in Toronto.

Residents of the rest of the country would argue that the whole of Toronto would grind to a halt when there had been just one inch of snow.

But now the country’s largest city is known for great food, great music, great culture, great fun.
The Toronto Maple Leaf hockey team were the winners of numerous Stanley Cups. Now their still loyal fans, including this writer, are the butt of jokes. The team hasn’t won The Cup since 1967, that’s 58 years.

But this year the Toronto Blue Jays have poured heart into their fans who were totally pumped through the post-season right up to the last game of the Series. They were indeed “Canada’s team” at a time when the whole country was being disrespected as the 51st State of the United States.

Ernie Clement obviously wasn’t alone on this magical team: seeing Vladdy Guerrero Jr. fly like a runaway freight train to score at home plate. He had three post-season homers and was superb at his first base position. Catcher Alejandro Kirk was outstanding behind the plate and in his clutch hitting.

George Springer and Bo Bichette overcame injuries to contribute great spirit and key hits.

Then there were the incredible starting pitchers, Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, and Mad Max Scherzer. Max was the ultimate team man, spending a great amount of time as a mentor to the spectacular young Yesavage.

Overall, there was the great respect that manager, John Schneider had for his players. He molded them into a superb unit, one which will very likely return to the World Series next year.
 Stefanie Brescha, the girlfriend of Ernie Clement, said it very well, describing the Jays as the “best group of humans I have ever met in my life.” 
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There you go, a great foundation for 2026.