The record for most hits in an MLB postseason run is held by a household name in the Cape, who used to tear it up on White House field.
Former Harwich Mariners, Ernie Clement, made national news less than a year ago by helping lead the Toronto Blue Jays to the World Series.
Clement grew up in Rochester, N.Y. playing multiple sports for Brighton High School and excelling in baseball batting a staggering .472. This drew the attention of multiple colleges with Clement ultimately deciding on committing to the University of Virginia where his career took off.
Clement and the Cavaliers went on to win the 2015 College World Series, with Clement also earning All-CWS honors. Clement’s teammate, Pavin Smith, would be a future Mariner’s teammate with him.
The following year Clement joined the Harwich Mariners for the 2016 season. Growing up in Rochester, Clement knew how special it was to play in the Cape Cod Baseball League.
“The best college baseball players in the country come to play summer ball, so every game is a chance to compete against top talent. It’s an unreal experience playing against the best.”
The skilled infielder quickly realized he belonged with the nation's best after batting an impressive .353 during the CCBL regular season.
Clement’s role in the Cape wasn’t just about racking up hits; every morning, he checked in at the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, where he dressed as a pirate and served breakfast to kids. He described it as the first part of his daily routine during his time in the Cape.
“Wake up, get dressed up as a pirate, and go to work at Wequassett. Come back and hang for a bit, then head over to the field for the game with my roommate, Pavin Smith. Grab a Blizzard from Dairy Queen with Max Burt and play the game. After the games, I would go to Ember Coal Fire Pizza, which was right near where he lived in Harwich. “
Clement and the Mariners finished the season atop the East Division with a 27-15-2 record. He also earned the league’s Most Valuable Player Award describing it as “one of the best summers of my life.”
He describes the Cape as “a baseball paradise all mostly within an hour drive, the competition is as good as it gets for collegiate players.” With so many of the top collegiate players, matchups often carry into the professional level.
That proved true with Clement, who faced former Harwich teammate and reigning AL MVP Cal Raleigh in the 2025 American League Championship Series. Clement and his Blue Jays ultimately took down Raleigh's Seattle Mariners in seven games.
“Cal had such a great season last year, and it’s been great watching him have such a great career,” Clement said. “I've been a huge fan since playing together on the Cape.”
Clement helped lead the Blue Jays with 30 hits in last year's postseason setting a new MLB record. Clement and the Blue Jays gave the city of Toronto their first World Series appearance in over 30 years.
Clement was recently named an American League All-Star for the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2026 season, a milestone that highlights his rise from Cape Cod League standout to one of the American League's top performers.
Clement will always hold Harwich as a special place in his heart, wanting incoming and future players to know “Have fun. Enjoy being on the field, but also enjoy getting out and seeing Cape Cod. It’s an amazing place in the summer.”
