Former Blue Jays reliever Duane Ward dead at 62 while in Toronto for World Series tribute

Former MLB reliever Duane Ward, known for helping the Toronto Blue Jays win World Series in the 1990s, has died.He was 62 years old.The Blue Jays announced Ward’s death on Sunday, saying he died of natural causes while in Toronto.Ward was in Toronto for the unveiling of a statue outside the Blue Jays’ home Rogers Centre to commemorate the back-to-back World Series championship from 1992 and 1993, which he was a part of.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMDuane Ward of the Toronto Blue Jays winds up to pitch against the Oakland Athletics during a game in Oakland, California.

(Getty Images)The unveiling was set for Saturday, where over two dozen players, coaches and executives were on hand to see it for the first time."Duane will be deeply missed by our fans, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family," the Blue Jays said in a statement."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."BOBBY COX, LEGENDARY ATLANTA BRAVES MANAGER WHO LED 1995 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS, DEAD AT 84The Blue Jays also had a tribute for Ward before Sunday’s first pitch against the Chicago White Sox, holding a moment of silence for him after a montage played on the videoboard in center field.Ward was the top draft choice of the Atlanta Braves out of Farmington High School in New Mexico during the 1982 MLB Draft, but while he made his major league debut with the club, he didn’t last there long.Ward was traded to the Blue Jays midway through the 1986 season, and he truly found a home north of the border.He spent parts of nine years with the ballclub, turning into a key reliever that could be relied upon as the Blue Jays proved they had what it took to reach, and win, the World Series in the early 1990s.A moment of silence was held before the game for former Blue Jays pitcher Duane Ward, who died, as the Toronto Blue Jays played the Chicago White Sox...