TORONTO — Within the Blue Jays’ clubhouse early Sunday morning, the players who had come so close to winning a championship tried to make sense of what had happened.

Still in full uniform, Ernie Clement was crying as he spoke. Nearby, Chris Bassitt spoke about the “true love” these players have for one another. Asked to describe the emotions of the day, Bo Bichette needed just one word: “sad.”

Others worried that they hadn’t done enough. Jeff Hoffman wondered aloud if he’d cost his teammates a World Series ring. John Schneider both thanked and apologized to Blue Jays fans. Isiah Kiner-Falefa scrolled through hateful messages on his phone, including a threat to break his legs.

“I just love every single guy in here so much,” said Clement, tearing up as he spoke. “I’ve been crying for prob

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