Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Setup Man – Duane Ward (1986-1995)
Considering that Duane Ward spent most of his time with the Toronto Blue Jays in Tom Henke’s shadow, it is sort of ironic that he is bumped from the closer role by him once again.
Another fireballer, Ward served in a co-closer role with Henke through 1992, notching double-digit saves in five consecutive years. Ward even recorded 23 saves in his own right in 1991, during a year where Henke had 32 saves of his own. That year, he led the American League with 81 appearances and was easily the most dominant setup man in the game.
He finally had a chance to have the closer role to himself in 1993. That year, he made the All-Star Game and set the Blue Jays team record with 45 saves. He would collect two more saves in the 1993 World Series, and earn the win in Game Six as they came from behind. However, he was beset by injuries after that point and only pitched four more games in the Majors.
Even with his career essentially being over at age 29, Ward carved his place into the Blue Jays record books. Second all-time in appearances and saves, he posted a 3.18 ERA and a 1.240 WHiP. He recorded 121 saves, while striking out 671 batters in 650.1 innings of work. Paired with Tom Henke, Ward gave the Blue Jays a truly dominant back end of the bullpen.
Duane Ward had his chance to shine and ran with it in 1993. Unfortunately, that was the end of his run as a dominant pitcher.
Next: Q is for quality relief