Turner Ward is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on April 11, 1965, in Orlando, Florida, and attended the University of South Alabama, where he played college baseball.
Ward was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 18th round of the 1986 MLB draft but did not sign with the team. Instead, he signed with the Milwaukee Brewers as an undrafted free agent in 1986. He spent several years in the Brewers' minor league system before making his MLB debut in 1991.
Ward played for several teams during his MLB career, including the Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Philadelphia Phillies. He primarily played as an outfielder and designated hitter, but also played some first base and third base.
Ward's best season came in 1993 when he played for the Blue Jays. He hit .320 with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs in 97 games, helping the team win the World Series that year. He also had a strong showing in the postseason, hitting .367 with two home runs and six RBIs in 11 games.
Throughout his career, Ward was known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions. He was also a solid hitter, finishing his career with a .262 batting average, 53 home runs, and 287 RBIs in 948 games.
After retiring from playing, Ward became a coach and manager in the minor leagues. He served as a hitting coach for several MLB teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Cincinnati Reds. In 2019, he was named the hitting coach for the San Francisco Giants.
Overall, Turner Ward had a successful career as a professional baseball player, playing for over a decade in the MLB and contributing to a World Series championship team. He has continued to have success as a coach, helping to develop the hitting skills of numerous players throughout his career.
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