Former Blue Jay Duane Ward passes away
Duane Ward, a key pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays during their 1992 and 1993 World Series championship seasons, passed away at the age of 62. The Blue Jays announced on Sunday that Ward’s death was due to natural causes. The news came as a shock to many of his former teammates who had gathered in Toronto for a statue unveiling event.
Ward had been in Toronto for the weekend’s celebrations, which included the unveiling of the Back-to-Back World Series Statue and an event honouring Joe Carter. Former teammate Tom Henke recounted having dinner with Ward on Friday night, noting that Ward seemed tired. Henke expressed his shock, stating that he would not have guessed this outcome.
On Saturday afternoon, Ward was expected to participate in a celebratory ceremony where players were driven onto the Rogers Centre field. However, he was not present. Henke, who was supposed to ride with Ward, ended up riding alone. Later that day, his former teammates learned of Ward’s passing.
Paul Beeston, the Blue Jays’ president emeritus and first employee, expressed profound sadness, stating that Ward’s death was unexpected at his age. Beeston highlighted Ward’s role in establishing the Blue Jays’ cross-country camps for children and noted that Ward was celebrating with his teammates, the very individuals he had battled alongside.
Ward’s impact on the field and in the clubhouse
Ward, a native of Park View, N.M., left a significant legacy with the Blue Jays, both through his on-field performance and his personality. He was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020. Acquired from the Atlanta Braves on July 6, 1986, Ward initially joined the Blue Jays as a 22-year-old starter known for his powerful arm and inconsistent control.
He gradually refined his skills and, by the 1988 season, became a dominant force in the bullpen. From that year onward, he recorded over 100 innings for five consecutive seasons, serving as the Blue Jays’ primary set-up man. He often pitched the seventh and eighth innings, preceding Henke, who was known as The Terminator, in the ninth.
After Henke departed as a free agent following the 1992 season, Ward assumed the closer role. In that capacity, he led the American League with 45 saves, achieving a 2.13 ERA over 71.2 innings. This season also marked his only All-Star selection. Dan Plesac, a former closer for the Milwaukee Brewers, recalled hitters struggling against Ward, often remarking on his exceptional pitching.
Plesac described Ward as a dominant pitcher with a heavy, high-90s power sinker, noting that while Henke received much attention, baseball insiders recognized Ward’s formidable presence on the mound. From 1988 to 1993, Ward pitched 634.1 innings across 434 games, accumulating 121 saves with a 2.98 ERA and striking out 657 batters.
The combination of Ward and Henke for five of those six years created an effective bullpen duo, shortening games for manager Cito Gaston. Henke noted that their presence meant starters did not always need to pitch eight or nine innings, providing the team with confidence and making opponents feel pressure to score early.
Teammates remember Ward’s unique personality
Henke described their relationship as one where they kept each other sharp, despite their contrasting personalities. Henke characterized himself as easygoing, which he felt aided him in his high-pressure role, while Ward was intense and consistently prepared to pitch. Henke also shared that Ward had certain superstitions, including playing catch with him daily before batting practice and needing to be the first player off the field during batting practice.
Former Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston reflected on Ward’s reliability, stating that Ward was never late and always on time. Gaston also shared an anecdote about Ward’s competitive nature on the mound, where Ward would tell him to return to the dugout, asserting his confidence in his ability to get batters out. Gaston noted that Ward’s presence made his job easier.
Henke also mentioned that while he and Ward were not the closest of friends outside of baseball, they shared an honest competition that pushed each other to improve. He recalled Ward’s independent nature, often keeping to himself off the field. Despite their differences, Henke emphasized that Ward loved being a Blue Jay and that the camaraderie among former teammates was evident during the recent gathering.
The unexpected loss of Ward during a weekend meant to celebrate the team’s history was particularly difficult for his former teammates. Henke concluded that while it was a strange weekend, it would remain very memorable and stick out for a long time.
Gaston expressed sympathy for Ward’s family and for all those who feel the loss of a beloved teammate and friend.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
