Duane Ward, legendary Blue Jays reliever, dead at 62

Duane Ward, one of the best relievers in Blue Jays history and a key part of the club’s 1992 and 1993 World Series victories, has died at 62, the team announced Sunday.

He was in Toronto for the unveiling of a Joe Carter statue celebrating the franchise’s two World Series titles before Saturday’s game, though he did not attend the ceremony. He died of natural causes, the team said.

“Duane will be deeply missed by our fans, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family,” the Jays said in a statement. “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.”

Forever in our hearts, Wardo 💙 pic.twitter.com/Hacb4LKjLk

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 19, 2026

Drafted in the first round of the 1982 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, Ward was traded to Toronto in 1986 in exchange for Doyle Alexander. He spent the remaining nine seasons of his career with the Jays, serving as the primary set-up man for closer Tom Henke before transitioning into the ninth-inning job in 1993. Ward sits second among all Jays in saves with 121.

After taking over the closer job from a departing Henke, Ward set the Jays’ single-season franchise record for saves with 45 in 1993, a mark that led the American League that year. The franchise record stands to this day.

He closed out two games against the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1993 World Series and was the winning pitcher in Game 6, when Carter hit his famous walk-off home run.