To some Blue Jays fans, every day is Ernie Clement Day.
But now, at least for Nov. 29 in his hometown of Monroe County, N.Y., it was official.
Clement was honoured on Saturday while attending an event with the MiLB’s Rochester Red Wings, being given a key to Monroe County while Nov. 29 was proclaimed as “Ernie Clement Day.”
The Brighton, N.Y., native set the MLB record for most hits in a post-season with 30 during the Blue Jays’ sensational run to within two outs of winning the World Series.
“Ernie, we are incredibly proud of you, and you represented your hometown so well on the world stage,” Monroe County executive Adam Bello said, per News10NBC.
“You have made our community incredibly proud,” he said while presenting Clement with the key. “Known as a beacon of positivity in the Toronto Blue Jays clubhouse, you carry the spirit of your hometown onto the field, inspiring teammates and fans alike.”
During the presentation, Mayor Malik Evans also announced the proclamation of Nov. 29 as “Ernie Clement Day.”
“We gotta represent and honor our hometown heroes,” Evans said.
“I’m really grateful, honestly,” Clement told News10NBC. “The Rochester community has been so supportive, even when I was coming up in the minor leagues, even when I was in college, everyone was just so awesome.”
Clement’s fine play in the field earned him two Gold Glove nominations this year — at third base and as a utility player. However, despite leading the Majors in defensive runs saved, Clement fell short in both categories.
Where is Monroe County?
Monroe County is located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario and contains the city of Rochester.
Clement has been known to be very active in his community and has spoken about it glowingly on several occasions. He grew up as a multi-sport star at Brighton High School and was a star of the hockey team there.
According to Daily Faceoff, Clement scored 70 goals in 79 total games at Brighton High School, including 27 goals in 20 games during his senior season.
He also had a starring role while finishing seventh at the inaugural MLB Open golf tournament last month, producing several viral moments at the event.
Clement, who was competing alongside Jays World Series legend Joe Carter, was one of the stars of social media for his affable approach and general good-vibes nature on the course at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas.
Clement went viral last month when, less than 24 hours after the final heartbreaking out of Game 7, he was at one of his favourite hometown haunts, the Pittsford Pub.
He was seen wearing a hoodie and winter hat, relaxing with some drinks and chicken wings while watching the Buffalo Bills take on — and defeat — the Kansas City Chiefs.
Clement is a big supporter of the Bills, having worn their jersey to Jays games in the past.
Of course, the local celebrity drew some attention from fellow patrons, and he signed some baseballs and posed for a photo with three young fans.