Randy Jones, Cy Young-winning Padres pitcher, dies at 75, leaving a legacy as 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.
Jones was known for his left-handed sinkerballs and blazing pace on the mound and is still recognized as one of the most beloved players in Padres history.
He was born on Jan. 12, 1950, in Fullerton, CA, and was drafted by the Padres in 1972.
Jones became a household name in the mid-1970s, transforming from a struggling young pitcher into one of baseball’s most dominant arms. In 1975, he won 20 games, led the National League with a 2.24 ERA, and earned the Sporting News’ Comeback Player of the Year honors.
A year later, he delivered one of the greatest seasons by any Padres pitcher: he started the All-Star Game, throwing 25 complete games, winning 22, and earning the 1976 Cy Young Award. He is one of five Padres players to ever win the award, along with Gaylord Perry, Mark Davis, Jake Peavy and Blake Snell.
He remained on 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 built a special relationship with the fans of the Padres. He continued to remain active with the team after his career.
He retired in 1982 with a record of 100 career 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 leader in club leader in starts, complete games and shutouts. He is also just one of five Padres players with his number retired by the team.
He returned to San Diego County to live in Poway and had several businesses.
In a news release announcing Jones’s death, the San Diego Padres said, “With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, the Padres mourn the passing of our beloved left-hander, Randy Jones. Randy was a cornerstone of our franchise for over 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 in his post-playing career, becoming a tremendous ambassador for the team and a true fan favorite. Crossing paths with RJ and talking baseball or life was a joy for everyone fortunate 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 our franchise history.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Marie, and the entire Jones family during this difficult time. RJ will be greatly missed.”
Jones built a special relationship with the fans of the Padres and continued to remain active with the team after his career.