Blue Jays' World Series legend Duane Ward passes away at 62

The Toronto Blue Jays organization and it's fans mourned the death of one of the team's all-time greats on Sunday. Duane Ward, who was a part of both of Toronto's World Series championship teams, passed away at the age of 62. Ward was in Toronto and was expected to be a part of the team's World Series' celebrations / Joe Carter statue unveiling. However, on Sunday morning (Jul. 19) the Blue jays released a statement announcing Wards passing.

“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 team said. A moment of silence was held prior to the Blue Jays' game against the Chicago White Sox, while a tribute video played.

Many fans, media personalities, and former teammates shared their condolences online, including former Blue Jays' starting pitcher Todd Stottlemyer.

Stottlemyer said, "We all came together in Toronto for a special celebration and tribute. With my deepest regret I am making this post. We had no idea our Friday night dinner and the photo I posted was going to be the last time we were going to see Duane Ward. From celebration to sadness in a moment. May God rest your soul Blue Jay brother and warrior on the mound. You will never be forgotten. Without your contribution there would be no BACK TO BACK."

Another teammate, Tom Henke, who Ward was the setup man for, for five season's told Sportsnet reporter Shi Davedi, "It really hasn’t set it in yet. I would have never guessed it. He looked a little tired, but that was it. It was a long trip for him (from his Las Vegas home to Toronto). He said he was kind of tired and was going to go to bed and get some rest for the next day. It was quite a shock."

Ward dominated as a reliever in the late '80s and early '90s

Ward was originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the first round (No. 9 overall) in the 1982 draft. Ward struggled to maintain a role as a starter in the Braves' system and was traded to the Blue Jays on July 6, 1986 in exchange for Doyle Alexander.

It was until 1988 when he finally found his home as a reliever in the Blue Jays' bullpen. That year, he pitched in 64 games, throwing 111.2 innings pitched and striking out 91 batters while posting a 3.30 ERA and 118 ERA+.

From there he was off and running as Henke's set up man for the Blue Jays who would go on to win three division titles (1989, 1991, 1992) with that combination, and one more when Henke left in free agency and Ward became the team's main closer (1993).

In '91 he led the league by pitching in 81 games. In '93 he led the league in games finished with 70 and saves with 45. He had one All-Star appearance (1993) and twice received down ballot votes in the Cy Young voting (1991, 1993).

Between 1988-1993, Ward pitched to an 11.4 bWAR with a 2.98 ERA, racking up 121 saves. He had 657 strikeouts in 634.1 innings pitched and only allowed 30 home runs. He posted a 135 ERA+, 2.65 FIP and 1.19 WHIP in that span.

He led all relievers with a 14.9 fWAR, was seventh with a 2.65 FIP, and led all relievers in innings pitched by more than 100 innings pitched. The next highest relievers by innings pitched were Mike Jackson (524 innings pitched with Seattle and San Francisco) Roger McDowell (520.1 innings pitched with the NY Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and LA Dodgers) and Mike Henneman (509 innings pitched with Detroit).

Ward is second all-time in playoff wins (4), first in playoff saves (5) and games pitched (19). He was also the winning pitcher in three World Series games for the Blue Jays and recorded two saves, while pitching in eight World Series games, all of which are franchise records.

Jays Journal passes along it's condolences to the friends and family of Duane Ward.

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