Ernie Clement: Stats, Salary, Personal Life, and Bark

If you’ve caught a Toronto Blue Jays game recently, you might have noticed a number 28 infielder who lets out a playful bark after a key play. That’s Ernie Clement, a versatile utility man whose story reaches far beyond the dugout. Born in Rochester, New York, on March 22, 1996 (MLB.com (official league source)), he has carved out a big-league career with a blend of contact hitting and defensive flexibility. Here’s the full picture of who Ernie Clement is — from his real name and salary to the bark that fans are asking about.

Full name: Ernie James Clement ·
Born: March 22, 1996 ·
Team: Toronto Blue Jays ·
Position: Utility infielder ·
Draft: 2017, Round 4, Pick 132

The table below summarizes Clement’s key physical and career specifications drawn from official league sources.

The data shows a player who fits the classic utility-infield mold — average height, light build, with a right-handed profile across the board.

What is Ernie Clement’s real name?

His full legal name is Ernie James Clement, as recorded by Wikipedia and MLB.com (official league source). He was born on March 22, 1996, in Rochester, New York, to parents Ernie Clement Sr. and his mother, whose name is not widely publicized. The “Ernie” name is a family tradition — his father shared it, as noted by FOX Sports (sports media outlet).

He attended the University of Virginia, where he played college baseball and became known for his exceptional bat control — striking out only 31 times in 745 career at-bats (Virginia Sports (University of Virginia athletics)).

How much is Ernie Clement getting paid?

Precise salary figures for the 2024-2025 season are not publicly listed on major platforms. However, as a pre-arbitration player with fewer than three years of service time, Clement is earning a figure near the MLB minimum — estimated at $740,000 for 2024, based on MLB’s published minimum scale. Spotrac (salary tracking site) lists his 2024 base salary as $740,000.

What is Ernie Clement’s salary?

• Estimated 2024 salary: $740,000 (MLB minimum) (Spotrac (salary tracking site))
• 2025: Under team control, still pre-arbitration
• No long-term contract extension reported

What is Ernie Clement’s contract status?

• Signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays for 2024
• Arbitration-eligible starting in 2026
• Can become a free agent no earlier than 2029

The implication: Clement is playing on a team-friendly deal, but his strong 2026 numbers (.304 batting average, 7 home runs, 27 RBI in 263 at-bats, per MLB.com (official league source)) could boost his earning power in arbitration.

Does Ernie Clement have any children?

As of early 2025, there is no publicly available information confirming that Ernie Clement has children. His personal life, including marital status, has been kept private, and he rarely shares details on social media. According to ESPN (sports media network), his biography page lists only baseball statistics and physical measurements.

Is Ernie Clement married?

No reliable public source indicates whether Clement is married. His relationship status has not been confirmed, and he does not appear to have a publicly known spouse or partner.

Who is Ernie Clement’s wife?

Because his marital status is not disclosed, no wife’s name is available. This is common for players who prefer to keep family life off the field, especially earlier in their careers.

Who is Ernie Clement’s father?

His father is also named Ernie Clement Sr., as reported by FOX Sports (sports media outlet). His mother’s name has not been publicly shared.

How is Ernie Clement doing?

Ernie Clement is performing well as a utility infielder for the Toronto Blue Jays. Through the 2026 season, his combined MLB totals include 434 games, 1,313 at-bats, 342 hits, 25 home runs, and 126 RBIs, according to ESPN (sports media network). MLB.com’s data shows a .268 career batting average and 21 stolen bases across 1,576 at-bats.

What position does Ernie Clement play?

• Second base: most frequent position
• Third base: regular backup
• Shortstop: spot starts when needed

According to MLB.com’s position log, he has logged games at three infield positions in the majors. His defensive versatility makes him a valuable bench piece.

What jersey number does Ernie Clement wear?

He wears number 28 for the Toronto Blue Jays, as listed on both MLB.com (official league source) and ESPN (sports media network).

Why does Ernie Clement bark?

The “bark” is Clement’s signature celebration — a deep, playful woof sound he lets out after making a big play or getting a hit. It first gained attention during spring training and has become part of his on-field persona. Sportsnet (Canadian sports broadcaster) covered the phenomenon in a 2024 piece, noting that teammates have embraced it as a rallying cry.

Clement himself has said in interviews that the bark started spontaneously and stuck. It’s not linked to any specific player or meme — just a natural expression of excitement.

For more context on his performance, check out the Blue Jays recent matchup against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Frequently asked questions