The San Diego Padres announced on Wednesday the passing of Randy Jones, a two-time All-Star and former National League Cy Young winner, who died at the age of 75. The team expressed its condolences in a heartfelt statement emphasizing his profound impact on the franchise over five decades.
“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,” the statement read. The team extended its heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Marie, and the entire Jones family.
Jones was drafted by the Padres in the fifth round of the 1972 draft and quickly made his entrance into the major leagues the next season at the age of 23. The Fullerton native impressed during his rookie season, posting a 3.16 earned run average over 20 games, and soon became a prominent figure in San Diego’s pitching rotation.
His career saw ups and downs, particularly a tough season in 1974 where he led the National League with 22 losses. However, he rebounded spectacularly in the 1975 and 1976 seasons, achieving 20 wins in each year and leading the league with a 2.24 ERA in 1975. That year, he finished second for the Cy Young Award to Tom Seaver, but the following season, he claimed the honor himself, producing an MLB-best 315 1/3 innings pitched and 22 wins, all while maintaining a 2.74 ERA.
Over the next four seasons, Jones maintained a solid presence in the Padres’ rotation, averaging 204 innings and a 3.62 ERA. He was traded to the New York Mets following the 1980 season, where he pitched for two years, retiring with exactly 100 wins and a career earned run average of 3.42 across 1933 innings.
Although his peak was notably brief, Jones remains an unforgettable figure in Padres history and is remembered affectionately by fans for his remarkable achievements during the mid-70s. The entire baseball community mourns his loss and remembers his dedication to the game and his beloved San Diego.