Duane Ward, former Braves pitcher and Blue Jays All-Star, dies at 62
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 2:05 PM
Last updated Jul 19, 2026
Duane Ward, a former pitcher for the Atlanta Braves and an All-Star reliever for the Toronto Blue Jays, has died at the age of 62. Ward passed away in Toronto while attending a reunion celebrating the Blue Jays' 1992 and 1993 World Series champion teams. His death was confirmed by the Blue Jays, who expressed profound sadness over the loss. Drafted by the Braves in 1982, Ward later developed into one of the top closers in baseball after being traded to Toronto, where he played a key role in two World Series victories. His impact on the game extends across both franchises he represented.
- •Ward passed away of natural causes in Toronto over the weekend.
- •He was a key reliever for the Blue Jays, winning two World Series titles.
- •Ward was traded from the Braves to the Blue Jays in 1986.
- •He finished his career with 121 saves and a 3.28 ERA.
- •The Blue Jays mourn his passing, marking a significant loss for the franchise.
- 2:05 PMYahoo Sports — Former Braves Castoff, All-Star And 2-Time World Series Champion Dies Suddenly At 62
"The Atlanta Braves received news that a two-time World Series champion with a unique tie to Hall of Famer John Smoltz has died.
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