Randy Jones, Padres Legend and Cy Young Winner, Passes Away

The baseball world mourns the loss of Randy Jones, the left-handed pitcher who shone with the San Diego Padres and won the Cy Young Award in 1976. Jones passed away at the age of 75, according to the team’s announcement. Jones left an indelible mark on the sport, especially on the San Diego franchise, where he played for eight seasons. He was also part of the New York Mets for two years. His numbers speak for themselves: a record of 100 wins and 123 losses, with an ERA of 3.42. He still holds Padres franchise records, including 253 starts, 71 complete games, 18 shutouts, and 1,766 innings pitched.

Jones was a prominent figure in the majors in 1975 and 1976, earning two All-Star selections and becoming the first Padres player to win the Cy Young. The Padres, who began their journey in 1969, saw in Jones a leader. In 1975, he finished second in the Cy Young voting, behind Tom Seaver, with a record of 20-12 and an ERA of 2.24. A year later, he won the award by recording 22 victories, pitching 315 1/3 innings in 40 starts, including 25 complete games, leading the majors in all those categories. His playing style, based on control and cunning, earned him the nickname “Junkman”.

Randy was a cornerstone of our franchise for over five decades. His impact and popularity only grew after his playing career, becoming a great ambassador for the team and a true fan favorite. Crossing paths with RJ and talking about baseball or life was a joy for all who were lucky enough to spend time with him. Randy was committed to San Diego, the Padres, and his family. He was a giant in our lives and in the history of our franchise.

San Diego Padres

After retiring, Jones returned to San Diego County and became a Padres representative at events and in the community. His legacy endures, with his number 35 retired by the Padres in 1997, and his inclusion in the team’s Hall of Fame in 1999.