Legendary Blue Jays reliever Duane Ward dead at 62
Duane Ward, a former Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher and two-time World Series champion, has died at the age of 62. The team honored his legacy as a key figure in the franchise's early 1990s success.
Why it matters
Ward was a significant figure in Canadian sports history, known for his contributions to the Blue Jays and his community outreach programs.
Duane Ward, a two-time World Series champion and one of the most accomplished relievers in Toronto Blue Jays history, has died at 62.
The Blue Jays said Sunday that Ward died of natural causes in Toronto. He had arrived in the city Friday ahead of the team's ceremony honouring its 1992 and 1993 championship teams but was absent from Saturday's festivities at Rogers Centre.
“It is with profound sadness that the Toronto Blue Jays mourn the passing of pitcher Duane Ward, one of the most accomplished and beloved relievers in franchise history,” the Blue Jays said in a statement.
“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.”
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