Duane Ward, a cherished figure in the history of the Toronto Blue Jays, has sadly passed away at the age of 62. The team announced his death on Sunday, confirming that Ward succumbed to natural causes in Toronto.

Ward had recently traveled to Toronto on Friday with his teammates from the 1992 and 1993 World Series championship teams. However, he was notably absent from the pre-game ceremony held on Saturday, which honored the unveiling of the franchise's newest statue commemorating its World Series victories.

Spending a decade with the Blue Jays from 1986 to 1995, Ward appeared in an impressive 452 games and became recognized as one of the most reliable late-inning relievers in the team's history. Over his career in Toronto, he secured 121 saves, placing him among the all-time leaders in the franchise's record books. During one of the most successful periods for the team, Ward served as both a dominant setup man and closer, significantly contributing to their achievements.

His most notable season came in 1993, when he earned recognition as an American League All-Star and led the league with 45 saves. Ward's pivotal role was instrumental in the Blue Jays securing back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993, cementing his legacy within the organization.

In acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Duane Ward was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020, a testament to his enduring impact on baseball in Canada and beyond.

Statement from the Toronto Blue Jays: pic.twitter.com/95hjd2PvcU

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