Longtime Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Duane Ward has passed away at the age of 62.
The Blue Jays announced Ward’s passing on Sunday morning, calling him “one of the most accomplished and beloved relievers in franchise history.”
Ward was a key piece of the 1992 and 1993 World Series championship winning teams, which were celebrated Saturday at Rogers Centre in a pre-game ceremony. The Jays said Ward was in Toronto on Friday to participate in the ceremony but did not attend. The team said he died from natural causes.
“Duane will be deeply missed by our fans, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. Duane will always be a cherished part of the Blue Jays family, and we will be forever grateful for his contributions to our organization and to baseball in Canada,” the team said as part of a statement announcing his passing.
He joined the Blue Jays in 1986 and appeared in a total of 452 regular-season games from that year until 1995. He ranks second in Blue Jays history in saves (121) behind Tom Henke and had a league-best 45 saves as Toronto repeated as champs in 1993.
More to come.