NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Former MLB reliever Duane Ward, known for helping the Toronto Blue Jays win the World Series in the 1990s, has died. He was 62 years old.
The Blue Jays announced Ward’s death Sunday, saying he died of natural causes while in Toronto.
Ward was in Toronto to unveil a statue outside the Blue Jays’ home, the Rogers Centre, commemorating the back-to-back World Series championships of 1992 and 1993, of which he was a part.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Duane Ward of the Toronto Blue Jays lines up against the Oakland Athletics during a game in Oakland, California. (Getty Images)
The unveiling was set for Saturday, with over two dozen players, coaches and managers on hand to see it for the first time.
“Duane will be deeply missed by our fans and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family,” the Blue Jays said in a statement. “Duane will always be a beloved part of the Blue Jays family and we will be forever grateful for his contributions to our organization and to baseball in Canada.”
BOBBY COX, LEGENDARY ATLANTA BRAVES MANAGER WHO LEAD 1995 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS, DIES AT 84
The Blue Jays also had a tribute to Ward before Sunday’s first pitch against the Chicago White Sox, holding a moment of silence for him after a montage played on the video board in center field.
Ward was the top draft pick of the Atlanta Braves out of Farmington High School in New Mexico during the 1982 MLB Draft, but while he made his major league debut with the club, he didn’t last long.
Traded to the Blue Jays midway through the 1986 season, Ward truly found a home north of the border.
He spent parts of nine years with the ball club and became a key, dependable reliever as the Blue Jays proved they had what it took to reach and win the World Series in the early 1990s.
A moment of silence was held before the game for former Blue Jays pitcher Duane Ward, who died when the Toronto Blue Jays played the Chicago White Sox at the Rogers Center in Toronto, Ontario on July 19, 2026. (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star)
Ward’s best season came during the 1993 World Series run, leading the league with 70 shutouts and 45 saves while owning a 2.13 ERA across 71.2 innings (71 games).
Ward also had a dominant 1.95 ERA during the 1992 season, earning 12 saves and 103 strikeouts across 101.1 innings.
In the postseason, Ward was equally exceptional, owning a 1.13 ERA and two saves during his World Series appearances. And while Game 6 of the 1993 World Series will forever be remembered for Joe Carter’s walk-off home run against the Philadelphia Phillies, it was Ward who got the win as the pitcher who closed the door on allowing that to happen.
“Whether he sets the stage in the eighth inning or closes out wins, he will be remembered for the role he played in some of the greatest moments in Blue Jays history,” the team’s statement continued.
Former MLB player Duane Ward throws out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the American League Division Series between the Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Center in Toronto, Canada. (Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
After an arm injury forced Ward to miss the entire 1994 season, he played just four games in 1995 before finally seeing a major league pitch.
In 462 games, Ward earned a career 3.28 ERA with 679 strikeouts over 666.2 innings.
