Randy Jones, Cy Young-winning Padres pitcher, dies at age 75, leaving legacy of one of the team’s most beloved players.
SAN DIEGO — Randy Jones, the San Diego Padres pitcher who won the coveted National League Cy Young Award, has died, the San Diego Padres announced Wednesday. He was 75 years old.
Jones was known for his left-handed sinkers and blazing pace on the mound and is still recognized as one of the most beloved players in Padres history.
He was born on January 12, 1950, in Fullerton, California, and was drafted by the Padres in 1972.
Jones became a household name in the mid-1970s, growing from a struggling young pitcher to one of baseball’s most dominant weapons. In 1975, he won 20 games, led the National League with a 2.24 ERA and earned Comeback Player of the Year honors from the Sporting News.
A year later, he had one of the greatest seasons of any Padres pitcher: he started in the All-Star Game, pitching 25 complete games, winning 22, and winning the Cy Young Award in 1976. He is one of five Padres players to win the award, along with Gaylord Perry, Mark Davis, Jake Peavy and Blake Snell.
He remained with the team until 1980 when he was traded to the New York Mets. Jones spent 8 of his 10 MLB seasons with the Padres and formed a special relationship with Padres fans. He continued to remain active with the team after his career.
He retired in 1982 with a career record of 100 wins, 73 complete games and 19 shutouts. Jones has thrown more innings in a Padres uniform than anyone else, with 1,766 innings pitched. He is also the club’s leader in starts, complete games and shutouts. He is also just one of five Padres players whose number has been retired by the team.
He returned to San Diego County to live in Poway and ran several businesses.
In a press release announcing Jones’ passing, the San Diego Padres said: “With deep sadness and heavy hearts, the Padres mourn the passing of our beloved left-hander, Randy Jones. Randy was a cornerstone of our franchise for more than five decades, highlighted by becoming the first Padres pitcher to win the Cy Young Award.
Inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame in 1999, his impact and popularity only grew during his post-playing career, becoming a formidable ambassador for the team and a true fan favorite. Crossing paths with RJ and talking about baseball or life was a joy for anyone lucky enough to spend time with him. Randy was devoted to San Diego, the Padres and his family. He was a giant in our lives and in the history of our franchise.
We express our deepest condolences to his wife, Marie, and to the entire Jones family during this difficult time. RJ will be greatly missed.
Jones built a special relationship with Padres fans and continued to remain active with the team after his career.
