Randy Jones, Padres’ Iconic Cy Young Winner, Dies at 75

BREAKING: Randy Jones, the left-handed pitcher who made history as the first player to win the Cy Young Award with the San Diego Padres, has died at the age of 75. The Padres announced his passing on Wednesday after he died on Tuesday, though details regarding the location or cause remain undisclosed.

Jones, a beloved figure in the baseball community, had a ten-year major league career, primarily with the Padres, where he played for eight seasons. He also spent two years with the New York Mets, finishing with a record of 100-123 and a 3.42 ERA. Notably, he still holds multiple franchise records, including 253 starts, 71 complete games, 18 shutouts, and 1,766 innings pitched.

His peak years came in 1975 and 1976, during which he earned two All-Star selections. In 1975, he finished second in Cy Young voting, achieving a remarkable 20-12 record with an NL-leading 2.24 ERA. The following year, he won the award with a stunning 22 wins for a team that only managed 73 wins overall, further solidifying his legacy. He pitched an extraordinary 315 1/3 innings across 40 starts, including 25 complete games, all leading the majors.

Jones became a fan favorite, drawing significant attendance boosts whenever he took the mound. His relatable persona and skillful pitching earned him a spot on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He was also memorable for earning a save in the 1975 All-Star Game and securing the victory for the National League in 1976.

After a career-altering arm injury during his final start in 1976, Jones continued to pitch in the major leagues until 1982. Known as the “Junkman,” he relied more on control and deception than velocity, exemplifying a bygone era of baseball. Over his career, Jones started 285 games and pitched 1,933 innings, with only 735 strikeouts, including just 93 during his Cy Young season.

The Padres released a heartfelt statement:

“Randy was a cornerstone of our franchise for over five decades. His impact and popularity only grew in his post-playing career, becoming a tremendous ambassador for the team and a true fan favorite.”

Born in Orange County, Jones returned to San Diego after retiring, becoming an integral part of the Padres community. He even had a barbecue restaurant named after him at Qualcomm Stadium, which later relocated to Petco Park. In 2017, Jones announced his diagnosis of throat cancer, likely due to his long-term use of chewing tobacco, but triumphantly declared he was cancer-free in 2018.

The Padres retired his jersey number 35 in 1997, and he was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 1999. His legacy as a pitcher and community figure leaves an indelible mark on the franchise and its fans.

As fans mourn the loss of this baseball legend, the impact of Randy Jones will resonate throughout the sport and the San Diego community. Stay tuned for further updates on tributes and memorials honoring his extraordinary life and career.