Duane Ward, who turns 61 today, is celebrated as the Blue Jays’ second all-time saves leader with 121 saves. Drafted in 1982 by the Atlanta Braves, he faced early struggles as a starter due to control issues but found his niche as a reliever after being traded to the Jays in 1986. Serving primarily as a setup man, Ward’s effectiveness increased as he gained experience, eventually taking over as closer in 1993. He had a standout season that year, recording a league-leading 45 saves and striking out 97 batters, cementing his legacy with the team.
Ward’s journey from a struggling prospect to an all-time great with the Blue Jays illustrates resilience and evolution in the ever-changing landscape of baseball pitching roles.
Duane Ward solidified his legacy as a premier reliever, amassing 121 saves with the Blue Jays, showcasing an impressive blend of strikeouts and earned runs.
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