Ernie Clement Thrilled to Represent USA at World Baseball Classic
Ernie Clement, a proud resident of Brighton, New York, has the opportunity to showcase his talent on an international stage. Selected to represent Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, Clement expressed his enthusiasm during a recent interview on MLB Network. The infielder for the Toronto Blue Jays received the exciting news from U.S. manager Mark DeRosa while heading to a Buffalo Sabres game. This moment is particularly meaningful for Clement, who has long been an ardent fan of both hockey and baseball.
World Baseball Classic Participation
Clement’s selection comes after a standout season with the Blue Jays, where he emerged as a pivotal player. During the 2025 campaign, Clement played in 157 regular-season games, achieving a .277 batting average with nine home runs. His impressive defensive skills were highlighted by leading Major League Baseball with 22 defensive runs saved. His postseason performance was equally remarkable, as he set a record for hits in a single playoff run, totaling 30 hits for the Blue Jays.
Commitment to Team USA
As he prepares to join the U.S. team, Clement’s focus remains on winning. “I keep it simple during the playoffs. My goal is to get on base for my teammates,” he noted. With a dedicated approach, Clement is ready to contribute to Team USA’s success in the World Baseball Classic.
World Baseball Classic Details
The World Baseball Classic will run from March 5 to March 17, featuring games in Miami, Houston, San Juan, and Tokyo. The U.S. team is set to compete in Pool B, which includes Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, and Mexico. The top two teams from this pool will advance to the quarterfinals, with games commencing on March 6.
Notable Teammates
- Bobby Witt Jr.
- Gunnar Henderson
- Bryce Harper
- Brice Turang
- Aaron Judge
- Cal Raleigh
- Paul Skenes
- Tarik Skubal
This year’s U.S. roster is shaping up to be one of the strongest yet, featuring an impressive lineup of all-star talent. With Clement among the committed players, fans can expect an exciting tournament.
Blue Jays Representation
The Toronto Blue Jays will have multiple players participating in the World Baseball Classic. In addition to Clement, notable players and their respective countries include:
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Dominican Republic
- Alejandro Kirk – Mexico
- Kazuma Okamoto – Japan
- José Berríos – Puerto Rico
- Cody Ponce – Mexico
- Adam Macko – Canada
- Leo Jimenez – Panama
As Clement prepares for this thrilling opportunity, he aims to elevate his game and embody the pride of his hometown while representing Team USA. Viewers can catch all the World Baseball Classic action on El-Balad.
