Gameday Magazine July

During his sophomore season, Clement played in all 60 games and was named Third-Team All-ACC. He ranked 16th in the nation in hits, and decided to test the waters among the best of the best in college baseball by spending the following summer in the prestigious Cape Cod League. Over the years, many UVa players have played for the Harwich Mariners, and Clement fol- lowed suit. He would go on to win the Cape Cod League MVP in 2016, leading the league in batting average (.353) hits (59) and stolen bases (19) in just 40 games. “That was one of the best summers of my life, Clement said. “I had so much fun and learned a ton.” That summer helped cement Clement’s status as a pro prospect. During his junior season for the Cavs, Clement hit .315 with two home runs and 34 RBi. He was a 2017 Preseason All-American and ranked as the tough- est to strike out in the nation (36.3 AB/K; seven strikeouts in 254 AB). In June of 2017, Clement was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 4th Round of the MLB Draft. It was then, that it became a matter of when, not if, he would return to Central Virginia.

Clement began his professional career last season with Short-Season Mahon- ing Valley. He batted .280 with 14 RBI in 45 games for the Scrappers. In 2018, he hit .267 with a home run and 16 RBI in 54 games before his promotion. “It’s crazy, it’s good to be back,” Clement said. “I didn’t expect to be called up so fast, it kind of caught me off guard, but it’s been really cool and awesome to see all the UVa fans that came out to my first few games in Lynchburg.” The well wishes and excitement in- stantly sunk in. “My hitting coach at UVa, Kevin Mc- Mullan, texted me congratulations. I still have a bunch of friends who are in Charlottesville, so hopefully I can see them soon.” July 17, the Hillcats next off day, can not come soon enough. Just 70 miles away from the place that put him on the map and helped mold him into the player and person he is today, Ernie Clement is back home.