The Toronto Blue Jays have announced the death of former pitcher Duane Ward at the age of 62, the same weekend a tribute was held for his back-to-back World Series winning team of the early 1990s.

Ward died in Toronto of natural causes, the team said in a statement on Sunday morning.

He had returned to the city on Friday but was absent from Saturday’s tribute to his iconic team at Rogers Centre. Over 20 players and coaches from that team gathered for the unveiling of a statue celebrating their World Series victories in 1992 and 1993.

The Blue Jays said: ‘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.’

Ward was the setup man when the Blue Jays won their first ever World Series in 1992 before stepping up as the team’s closer the following season.

The Toronto Blue Jays have announced the death of former pitcher Duane Ward at age 62

The team added: ‘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 broke through into the majors with the Atlanta Braves in 1986 but was traded to the Blue Jays that same year and he spent the remainder of his career in Canada. 

After the second World Series triumph, Ward missed the 1994 season with an arm injury and never recaptured the all-conquering levels that he had once shown. 

He only appeared in four games when he made his return in 1995 and retired that same year. 

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