local
Duane Ward, former Blue Jays pitcher and World Series champion, dies at 62
By IAN HARRISON, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports
· July 19, 2026
· 1 min read
TORONTO (AP) — Duane Ward, a two-time World Series champion and one of the most accomplished relievers in Toronto Blue Jays history, has died of natural causes, the team announced Sunday. He was 62. The team said Ward arrived in Toronto on Friday with several former teammates from the 1992 and 19...
Key takeaway The team said Ward arrived in Toronto on Friday with several former teammates from the 1992 and 1993 championship teams but [...
Why this matters in The McAllen
For baseball fans in the Rio Grande Valley, the passing of Duane Ward is a reminder of the sport's rich history and the impact its legends can have on local communities. While Ward's accomplishments on the field were largely in Toronto, his legacy can still be felt in the McAllen area, where baseball is a beloved pastime. The news of his death may resonate with local Little League coaches and players who look up to former professionals like Ward as role models. As the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro area continues to grow and develop its own sports scene, the story of Duane Ward's life and career can serve as a inspiration to young athletes striving to make their mark in the sport. His visit to Toronto with former teammates just before his death is a testament to the lasting bonds formed among players and the enduring appeal of baseball.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . The McAllen surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? TORONTO (AP) — Duane Ward, a two-time World Series champion and one of the most accomplished relievers in Toronto Blue Jays history, has died of natural causes, the team announced Sunday. He was 62. The team said Ward arrived in Toronto on Friday with several former teammates from the 1992 and 19...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by IAN HARRISON, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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