Duane Ward, Blue Jays Pitcher on 1990s Championship Teams, Dies at 62

Duane Ward died of natural causes in Toronto at age 62, the Blue Jays announced Sunday. Ward arrived in Toronto on Friday but did not attend the Rogers Centre statue unveiling on Saturday that drew more than two dozen players, coaches and executives from the 1992 and 1993 championship teams.

The Blue Jays held a scoreboard montage and moment of silence for Ward before their game against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

"Duane will be deeply missed by our fans, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family," the team said in a statement. " Ward made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves in April 1986 and was traded to Toronto later that year. He ranks second in Blue Jays franchise history with 452 pitching appearances and 121 saves.

In 1991 he posted a 2.77 ERA, recorded 23 saves and led the majors with 81 appearances. He followed with a 1.95 ERA as the team's top setup man in 1992. Ward posted a 2.13 ERA in 1993, earned an All-Star selection and led the American League with 45 saves, a Blue Jays single-season record.

He appeared in 19 postseason games, went 3-0 with a 1.13 ERA and two saves in eight World Series outings, and earned the win in Game 6 of the 1993 series. Ward missed the entire 1994 season due to an arm injury and appeared in four games in 1995 before retiring. He finished his career with a 32-37 record and 3.28 ERA in 462 games.

"Whether setting the stage in the eighth inning or closing out wins, he will be remembered for the role he played in some of the greatest moments in Blue Jays history," the team said.