John Francis "Jay" Ward (September 9, 1938 – February 24, 2012) was an American professional baseball player and coach. He was also a manager in the minor leagues.
After one more season in the Kansas City Royals organization, Ward pulled the plug on his playing career and returned to the Minnesota Twins organization as manager of their Midwest League affiliate, the Wisconsin Rapids Twins. He managed the team to a 70–56 record, but decided to leave baseball for a while, and moved back to his home state, Missouri.[5] When he returned to baseball, he joined the Philadelphia Phillies organization to manage their Northwest League affiliate, the Bend Phillies, in 1983 and the Spartanburg Suns in 1984.
He returned to the Cincinnati Reds organization in 1985 to manage the Cedar Rapids Reds. A year later, he managed the Vermont Reds to the Eastern League championship. Following the season, Lou Piniella brought him back to the majors and the organization he started with, naming him hitting coach for the New York Yankees. The 1987 Yankees batted .262, down from .271 the previous season, and after just one season with the Yankees, he was replaced by Chris Chambliss.
Ward returned to minor league managing in 1988 and 1989. He became the Montreal Expos' minor league hitting coordinator in 1990, and was made their major leagues hitting coach during the 1991 season.
From 1999 to 2001, Jay Ward was the first manager of the Québec Capitales of the Can-Am League. Credited for bringing credibility to the new club, he publicly feuded at times with popular players and fans.[6][7]
Later life
He retired to Troy, Montana, with his wife Lynn where he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He died at age 73 on February 24, 2012. Survivors included his wife Lynn; three daughters, 2 step daughters and one son and their spouses; 17 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by one grandchild.[8]
