Duane Ward, one of the most dominant closers in Toronto Blue Jays history, has died at 62.
The team confirmed he died of natural causes.
Ward had returned to Toronto for the celebration of the 1992 and 1993 World Series teams but wasn't present for Saturday's Joe Carter statue unveiling.
Toronto police said officers responded to a 911 call for a wellness check at 2:58 p.m. Saturday, just as the ceremony was beginning, and located Ward deceased, according to the Star's Adshayah Sathiaseelan.
"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 in a statement.
A moment of silence was held at Rogers Centre before Sunday's game against the Chicago White Sox, along with a video tribute honoring his career.
Ward pitched in 452 games for Toronto from 1986 to 1995, ranking among the franchise's all-time leaders with 121 saves. He was named an American League All-Star in 1993 after leading the league with 45 saves that season.
Teammates and executives remember a cornerstone of two titles
Cito Gaston, Ward's manager during those championship years, spoke about what he meant to those pitching staffs.
"We played seven-inning ball games because we had Duane Ward, David Wells and Tom Henke in the bullpen," Gaston said.
Longtime executive Paul Beeston, who helped build those back-to-back championship rosters, said he was stunned by the news.
"I immediately thought of all the good times we had together, and we did have a number of good times together," Beeston said. "He was here when we were going well. Between him and Tom Henke, we only had to play seven-inning games."
Beeston also pointed to Ward's life beyond the mound.
"He was the first guy who started the coaches clinic and player clinics across the country," Beeston said. "He was committed to it. He loved Canada, he loved the Blue Jays."
Ward was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020, a recognition of a career that shaped an era of Blue Jays baseball.
"Duane will always be a cherished part of the Blue Jays family," the team said, "and we will be forever grateful for his contributions to our organization and to baseball in Canada."
What's your lasting memory of Duane Ward's time with the Blue Jays?
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