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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 on Sunday, saying he died of natural causes while in Toronto.
Ward was in Toronto for the unveiling of a statue outside the Rogers Centre, home of the Blue Jays, to commemorate the back-to-back World Series championship in 1992 and 1993, of which he was a part.
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Duane Ward of the Toronto Blue Jays ends up pitching against the Oakland Athletics during a game in Oakland, California. (Getty Images)
The opening was scheduled for Saturday, where more than two dozen players, coaches and executives were on hand to see it for the first time.
“Duane will be deeply missed by our fans and we extend our deepest 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 baseball in Canada.”
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The Blue Jays also paid 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 center field video board.
Ward was the Atlanta Braves’ first draft pick 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 there.
Ward was traded to the Blue Jays midway through the 1986 season and truly found a home north of the border.
He spent parts of nine years with the club, becoming a key, dependable reliever as the Blue Jays showed 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 passed away, while 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, leading the league with 70 games finished and 45 saves, while owning a 2.13 ERA in 71.2 innings (71 games).
Ward also had a dominant 1.95 ERA during the 1992 season, earning him 12 saves and 103 strikeouts in 101.1 innings pitched.
In the postseason, Ward was just as exceptional, posting a 1.13 ERA and two saves during his World Series appearances. And while Game 6 of the 1993 World Series will always be remembered for Joe Carter’s home run against the Philadelphia Phillies, it was Ward who earned the victory as the pitcher who closed the door to allow that to happen.
“Whether setting the stage in the eighth inning or closing out victories, 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 Major League Baseball 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)
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After an arm injury forced Ward to miss the entire 1994 season, he pitched in just four games in 1995 before last seeing a major league mound.
In 462 games, Ward posted a career 3.28 ERA with 679 strikeouts in 666.2 innings pitched.
