Toronto Blue Jays legend Duane Ward dead at 62

The Toronto Blue Jays have announced that Duane Ward has died. The legendary relief pitcher was just 62.

The news comes just one day after the Blue Jays honoured members of the 1992 and 1993 teams that won back-to-back World Series titles. The team also unveiled a statue to commemorate Joe Carter's walk-off home run to win the championship in 1993.

Ward travelled to Toronto for the event, arriving in the city on Friday, but was absent for the pre-game festivities on Saturday. The Blue Jays said the Parkview, NM native passed away of natural causes.

"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 announced in a statement.

Ward acknowledges the crowd prior to a 40th season celebration in 2016 (Nick Turchiaro/USA TODAY Sports)

Ward played nearly the entirety of his MLB career in Toronto, joining the Blue Jays in 1986 and retiring in 1995, and was a key member of both their World Series championship teams. A reliable reliever, he often pitched the eighth inning before closer Tom Henke came in for the ninth. That changed in 1993 after Henke left the team and Ward became the closer, earning an American League All-Star nod with 45 saves that season.

"Duane was a cornerstone of Blue Jays baseball, appearing in 452 games from 1986 to 1995 and helping define an era of excellence," the Blue Jays added. "A dominant force on the mound, Duane ranks among the franchise leaders in saves with 121 and remains one of the most reliable late-inning relievers the organization has ever known. 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."

Ward was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020.

"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."