Former San Diego Padres pitcher and icon Randy Jones died on Tuesday at the age of 75, the team announced.
Jones played 10 years in MLB from 1973 to 1982 and spent the first eight years of his career with the Padres. he became the first pitcher in franchise history to win the National League Cy Young Award in 1976 when he led the majors with 22 wins. He earned back-to-back All-Star selections in 1975 and 1976, and he had a combined 42-26 record with a 2.50 ERA, 11 shutouts and 43 complete games over that two-year span.
“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, the Padres mourn the passing of our beloved left-hander, Randy Jones,” the Padres said in a statement. “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 had his No. 35 jersey retired by San Diego in 1997, and he was inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame as part of the franchise’s inaugural class in 1999.
After Jones’ retirement, the California native remained in San Diego and opened multiple businesses, including a restaurant and a string of car washes. The Randy Jones Grill remains open in Petco Park today.
