The San Diego Padres announced Tuesday that Randy Jones, the franchise’s first Cy Young Award winner and one of its most beloved figures, died at age 75.
Jones, a left-handed pitcher who captivated San Diego in the mid-1970s with his sinkerball and relentless pace, won the 1976 National League Cy Young Award after leading the majors with 22 wins. His dominance that season included 40 starts, 25 complete games, 315 1/3 innings pitched and a 2.74 ERA.
“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, the Padres mourn the passing of our beloved left-hander, Randy Jones,” the team said in a statement. “Randy was a cornerstone of our franchise for over five decades.”
The Padres did not disclose a cause of death. Jones was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2016 and announced he was cancer-free in May 2018.
Born January 12, 1950, in Fullerton, California, Jones made his MLB debut in 1973 after being drafted by the Padres in 1972. He quickly became the face of a franchise that had struggled through its first six seasons.
His breakout came in 1975 when he won 20 games and led the National League with a 2.24 ERA. Jones finished second in the Cy Young Award voting that year behind Tom Seaver. The following season cemented his legacy as he captured the award while starting the 1976 All-Star Game.
Jones was a two-time All-Star in 1975 and 1976, years when his fastball topped out at just 80 mph. Despite modest velocity, he baffled hitters with his sinker, which induced ground balls and kept games moving at a rapid pace. His unconventional success made him a national curiosity and a local phenomenon.
Pete Rose, baseball’s all-time hits leader, was so confounded by Jones’ sinker that he once abandoned switch-hitting to bat left-handed against the southpaw. Jones struck him out looking at three sliders.
The left-hander’s remarkable durability in 1976 came at a cost. Jones tore a nerve in his left arm during his 40th and final start of the season, an injury that required surgery and prevented him from ever fully regaining his dominant form.
Jones played for the Padres from 1973-80, compiling a career record that stood at 100-123. He was traded to the New York Mets after the 1980 season and retired after the 1982 season.
The Padres inducted Jones into their Hall of Fame in 1999 and retired his No. 35 jersey in 1997. “Crossing paths with RJ and talking baseball or life was a joy for everyone fortunate enough to spend time with him,” the Padres said. “Randy was committed to San Diego, the Padres, and his family.”
Jones lived in Poway, California, where he maintained Randy Jones BBQ stands at local stadiums. The barbecue stands became fixtures at Qualcomm Stadium and later moved to Petco Park, where Jones was a regular presence, greeting fans and serving as an ambassador for the franchise.
His impact on Padres history remains substantial. Jones is the franchise’s career leader in starts, complete games, shutouts and innings pitched. His 25 complete games in 1976 represent an almost incomprehensible workload by modern standards. Padres pitchers have combined for just 25 complete games over the past 16 seasons.
Jones’ success in 1975 and 1976 gave San Diego baseball fans their first legitimate star and helped establish the young franchise’s identity. His unassuming personality and blue-collar approach resonated with a city still finding its sports identity in the 1970s.
He worked on Padres pregame and postgame broadcasts during several stints and remained a beloved figure at Petco Park, where fans sought him out for autographs and conversations about baseball.
Jones is survived by his wife, Marie Jones. The Padres extended their sympathies to the Jones family.