Duane Ward, one of the best relief pitchers in Blue Jays history who helped them win back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and ’93, has died, the team said Sunday morning. He was 62.
Ward died of natural causes, the Blue Jays said, after arriving to Toronto on Friday ahead of the unveiling of a Joe Carter statue commemorating the World Series titles. He did not attend Saturday’s ceremony.
The New Mexico native holds the franchise record for saves in a season with 45 in 1993, when he earned his lone All-Star nod.
“It is with profound sadness that the Toronto Blue Jays mourn the passing of pitcher Duane Ward, one of the most accomplished and beloved relievers in franchise history,” the team said in a statement.
During the ’92 World Series against the Braves, Ward had two wins and two holds while pitching 3 ⅓ shutout innings, allowing one hit and one walk with six strikeouts.
He had four saves during the ’93 postseason, including two in the World Series against the Phillies. He earned the win in the clinching Game 6 after Carter’s iconic three-run, walk-off home run.
After he was drafted No. 9 overall by the Braves in 1982, Atlanta traded Ward to Toronto during his first MLB season in 1986 and he spent the rest of his career with the Blue Jays.
He was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020.
“Duane will be deeply missed by our fans, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family,” the Blue Jays said. “Duane will always be a cherished part of the Blue Jays family, and we will forever be grateful for his contributions to our organization and to baseball in Canada.”
Ward finished his career with a 3.28 ERA, 121 saves and 679 strikeouts in 462 appearances.
