Ernie Clement: The Blue Jays’ Secret Weapon Off the Bench
The Blue Jays have discovered baseball’s ultimate luxury – a virtually automatic hit when they need it most. His name is Ernie Clement.
Clement isn’t just good as a pinch-hitter. He’s making a case as the best pinch-hitter in MLB history.
After adding another pinch-hit double on Saturday, Clement’s career numbers off the bench are staggering:
- .419 batting average (13-31)
- 5 doubles
- 1 HR
- 8 RBI
What makes this so remarkable? Clement is a career .247 hitter otherwise. But when he comes off the bench cold, he transforms into an elite bat.
The 29-year-old infielder has carved out this unusual niche despite never being considered a star. His contact-oriented approach and seemingly relaxed attitude might explain why he thrives in high-pressure pinch-hit situations that make other players crumble.
Baseball history has seen legendary hitters excel in pinch-hit roles. Willie McCovey crushed 16 homers off the bench. Harold Baines hit a remarkable .316 as a pinch-hitter. But those were Hall of Fame caliber players. Clement is doing this as a role player.
It’s not like Clement was a nobody before reaching the majors. He won a national championship as a freshman at the University of Virginia after standing out at Brighton High School in upstate New York. Now with Toronto, he’s playing professionally just across the Canadian border from his hometown.
The Blue Jays know exactly what they have. When a crucial at-bat arrives in the late innings, Clement’s name is the first one they call. So far, he’s delivering at a historic pace.
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