The Padres announced Wednesday that two-time All-Star and former National League Cy Young winner Randy Jones has passed away. He was 75 years old. The team issued the following statement:
“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 was the Padres’ fifth-round pick in the 1972 draft and was in the majors as a 23-year-old the following season. The Fullerton native, born just about 100 miles north of the city where he’d eventually star on the mound, appeared in 20 games during his rookie season and immediately impressed with a 3.16 earned run average in 139 2/3 innings.
From that point, Jones became a fixture in San Diego’s rotation. A tough 1974 season saw him lead the National League with 22 losses, but he flipped the script in 1975-76, reaching 20 wins in both seasons. Jones logged an NL-best 2.24 ERA in 285 innings during the ’75 season and finished second in Cy Young voting to the legendary Tom Seaver. A year later, it was Jones’ turn to take home the hardware. He tossed an MLB-best 315 1/3 innings, including an incredible 25 complete games (five shutouts) and notched a tidy 2.74 earned run average. Coupled with 22 wins, that performance helped him beat out runners up Jerry Koosman, Don Sutton and Steve Carlton for what would be the lone Cy Young Award of his decade-long career.
Jones spent another four seasons in the Friars’ rotation but never returned to those lofty heights. He averaged 204 frames per season from 1977-80, working to a collective 3.62 ERA along the way. The Padres traded him to the Mets following the 1980 season, and he’d go on to pitch two years in Queens with a 4.69 ERA in 167 innings before being released.
Though Jones’ peak was fairly brief, he was one of the faces of his team in the mid-70s and is fondly remembered by fans for that pair of stellar, Cy Young-caliber seasons in ’75-’76. He retired with exactly 100 wins and a 3.42 earned run average compiled over the course of 1933 innings in the majors. We at MLBTR offer our condolences to the family, friends and countless fans of Jones — and to the entire Padres organization.
As someone who spent a lot of time at Jack Murphy / Qualcomm Stadium as a kid in the 90s, I had more than a few run-ins with Randy on the concourses or out by his BBQ. He was super nice to us kids. Always excited about the game that day and exuding that excitement. A Randy sighting was always a special treat.
I’m sure lesser known outside SD, but inner circle Padres and San Diego legend. One of a few to pass away in recent years (Jerry Coleman, Tony Gwynn, Peter Seidler) that the franchise will simply not be the same without.
I watched dozens of his starts during his incredible run in the mid 70’s. The speed at which he disposed of hitters with his slow sinker was amazing. His pinpoint control and walk-less streak had the entire city captivated. Randy was the first real Padre star. He will be greatly missed.
I wasn’t alive back then, but I love looking back at baseball’s history. It’s a tragedy a piece of that history fell.
I remember going to see many of Randy Jones starts, I seen many of them, and when he was walking from the dugout to the bullpen to warm up, how he was so popular that the fans that were sitting along the 3rd base line to the bullpen would rise and give him a standing ovation every time he made that walk to warm up 30 minutes before the game even started.
The other time I was with my dad watching the Reds with the Big Red Machine of Bench, Rose, Morgan, Concepcion etc. Pete Rose who was a switch hitter, actually came up in the 7th inning and to his at bat from the left side against Jones who was Left-Handed. Later when asked why he batted from the left side, he told the reporter I just can’t hit him from the right side. Rose said that he only did that one time and it was against Randy Jones. Rose had a lot of respect for the way Jones pitched. Jones was a fast pitcher time wise there were plenty of his starts he would throw a complete game in less than 2 hours.
R.I.P Randy Jones you were fun to watch pitch, along with Tony Gwynn 2 of my all-time Padres. Bless You Randy Jones.
I thought that Nate Colbert was the Padres first star.
The Padres weren’t very good at all during the 76-76 seasons. They had Dave Winfield, some fast runners and not much else.
Randy Jones brought a lot to the game. He said he was at his best when he pitched the game following a hard thrower.
Listening to Randy pitch on the radio was a religious experience for me as a 12-year old Padres fan in 1975. It was incredible. I can safely say that Randy elevated my life every time he pitched back then..
25 complete games in 1976.
RIP Randy. What a great player and great guy.
A legend fallen.
These days most pitchers won’t get 25 complete games in their entire careers
I’m not sure if they can get 10.
I think all the pitchers this year didn’t pitch 25 CG combined
Only like 5.
Crazy huh? I watched Jones pitch several times in minors with the Alexandria Aces back in 1972
He was a great pitcher at one time. RIP sir.
Of all the pictures you could have used, you steal mine? RIP to Jones and originality.
I first met him when he was in Alexandria, in AA, and we remained friends until the end. Tremendous person, personality, and ambassador for the Padres organization and baseball in general. Until we line up for that game up in the sky, rest well my friend.
Oh wow. I was at those games too in 1972. Duke Snider was the Head Coach. Bringhurst Park..Boy missed those days p. I was 12 years old
Wow. One of my favorite pitchers back in the day. So sad to hear. RIP. Condolences to his family and friends.
One of the players from my youth that I can still today go to an artist and explain, in detail, his look both standing and throwing a ball and have full confidence the artist can replicate it.
Absolutely one of the players to admire even though he was a visiting player.
Eternal rest, Randy.
my sincere condolences to his family and friends
I remember him as one of the few pitchers to surpass the 300 IP in a single season, RIP.
Plus he WON 100 big league games which many don’t do in today’s game. Wonder what he would get paid for that performance now in free agency
Even the last few years he was at the stadium a lot and was at most major Padre events. He was very active in the community and even has a few food joints at the stadium. I never got to see him play but what a career. RIP to a San Diego legend.
Met him many times. His advice to my sons was always, “strike one is the most important pitch” They both pitched in college and 1 professionally! RIP big lefthander.
One of my favorite pitchers as a kid, despite being a Dodger fan. Often wondered if being stuck in San Diego in those days hurt his career, but considering what a franchise icon he turned out to be, I’d say being a Padre didn’t hinder him in any way. Farewell to another great.
Great pitcher and human being! Loved watching him pitch. No pitch clock needed here. RIP to a true Padre.
May 4, 1977
Padres 4 – Phillies 1
Jones vs. Kaat
game time: 1 hour and 29 minutes
sabr.org/gamesproj/game/may-4-1977-jim-kaat-and-ra…
Remember that game.
I was there.
I was to, in my mind. Listening on the radio. Kitty was a fast worker.
Even more than his pitching skill, it was Randy Jones’ humanity that set him apart and endeared him to generations of Padres fans. He was very approachable and indeed had that Everyman quality that so many remember him for.
On multiple occasions, I had the opportunity to have beers with Randy and talk baseball. His knowledge of the game and his insights about players both of his generation and since were amazing. Anyone who had an opportunity to meet Randy knows he was a great storyteller and would at various times have you spellbound and at other times laughing hard with one of his anecdotes.
He only pitched in 305 games over his major league career, including 285 starts, and ended up with a career 100-123 record. But there was that time when he caught lightning in a bottle in 1975 and 1976, earning All-Star honors both years as he led the NL in ERA (1975), wins (1976), and complete games (1976) — pitching over 300 innings in 1976 as well. All the more remarkable as San Diego won only 71 games in 1975 and 73 games in 1976.
A favorite of mine growing up, and I wasn’t even a Padre fan. The master of the sub-two hour ball game.
R.I.P.
I remember him being lights out in ’76. 315+ IPs and 25 CGs – crazy to look back nowadays at those kind of numbers..
Absolutely, any starting pitcher today with +4.00 ERA and +150 IP can command a +10MM per season contract.
1976- 40 games started/ 25 complete games!!/ over 300 Innings pitched, and 2.6 strikeouts per 9 Innings- wow
Any lose is big. Condolences to his friends and family.
Peak Randy was fun to watch. Feels just like yesterday. RIP.
I remember Randy Jones well from my youth. RIP.
25 complete games in his Cy Young season. Unheard of today.
I’m still upset that he beat out Jerry Koosman for the 1976 Cy Young award.
RJ was the commissioner at Padres fantasy camps, had such a love for the game, helped facilitate us squeezing out a few more great baseball memories. I told him about going to a pitching camp he ran in 1981 when I was ten years old and he gave me such a confidence boost, and later that year I went out and pitched a perfect game in front of my grandfather. We both had tears in our eyes. Rest easy RJ.
Wow!
During his magical run in the summer of 1976, Randy Jones made the SI cover, with the headline: Threat to Win 30.
RIP.
His 1976 season is one for the ages. That was one of the best Phillies teams in history, and Jones shut them out in all three of his starts against them. May he rest in peace.
Remember watching him and wondering how he got anyone out, as he was shutting the other team down. Shows you can win in mlb without great stuff.
Randy was quite fun to watch with his big hair and a pretty good curve. RIP,
He was a cool guy, and he would say stuff. I ran into him at his sports bar once, and I asked him what pitcher he currently liked. He said, “Matt Harvey!”
I said, “no, I mean on the Padres.” He replied, “are you kidding? they suck!”
And he bought me a beer.
A loss for the padres and SD, RIP RJ
Awesome!
He had stories for every occasion. One example of about a trillion was asking about 2-year teammate Mickey Lolich. Was not disappointed.
Care to share? I never got to his Lolich stories.
As a Padres fan since 1969, Randy Jones was the main reason I could stomach all those bad teams. Randy deserved to be a star. I think he got there in San Diego during and after his baseball career. RIP and thanks for all the stellar entertainment.
Randy Jones was the first Padres player I knew, listening to games on the radio in the back seat of my parent’s car. He was the first to make me love baseball. Side note: his hot dogs a the RJ BBQ at Qualcomm were the best! Thank you for everything, Randy. You were a star!
1975-76 he was as good as they came. I had him on my APBA mail league team. Went 19-4 for me with a no-hitter.
Hearts out to Jones family and to Padres fans.
Certain players become part of the fabric of a community. Moreso in baseball than in other sports it seems.
Jones was one of those players.
RIP Randy, we’ll miss the hang with you, your stories and the amazing BBQ plate you’d always give me. Condolences to your fam.
Wow.
Giants fan, but always had respect for Randy Jones. An excellent pitcher
RIP, RJ…your place in Padres and baseball history are firmly cemented in our hearts and minds.
Didn’t he start 76 all star game against the enormously popular Mark “The Bird” Fidrych?
Yes, and was the winning pitcher with three scoreless innings.
Here’s a song about Fidrych’s death. Something deep inside moves us when a baseball hero from our youth passes on. The player is gone, but the memories spring to mind as if they were only yesterday. Yeah, 1976. The year of “Bird” Fidrych and, today, the year of Randy Jones.
RIP, RJ.
The Baseball Project, “1976”
youtube.com/watch?v=CTCmFtk76Wg
Randy could have had back to back Cy Young awards when he was at the top of his game. Incredible time in 76 with 315 innings, 25 complete games and 41 starts. Just an amazing time. You wanted to see him pitch but also was resigned to the fact that you were likely to lose. Rest in peace Mr Jones.
R.I.P. Randy. Never got see him play but love reading all of the stories about his career
RIP
He pitched in the first MLB game I attended back in 1973 vs the Phillies. May he rest easy..
Video of Randy Jones recording nine outs in the 1976 All-Star game. Lots of soft contact.
youtube.com/watch?v=IQ3P0KdpHAg
Randy did so much not just for the Padres, but for the community as a whole. I’m too young to have seen him pitch, but he was a local icon and a great ambassador for the game
It was always good to see him at the ballpark. And he was always fun to listen to on the radio.
Big loss in San Diego today. He’ll be missed.
RIP Randy…..
Sometimes the era of “every start should be a CG” feels like the 1880s but it wasn’t that long ago. This is modern baseball and the man threw 25 CG.
Back then it was Randy and then nobody. Was always happy when the Reds missed his turn pitching. He was really good with the Padres. Damn we are getting old.
Randy Jones was a true San Diego treasure. He was so fun to watch pitch. He was a real-life pitch clock. A sub 2 hour game was not uncommon when he pitched. RIP to the crafty lefty.
It was also amazing that when Randy Jones pitch at Jack Murphy alias ” the Murph” the Padres would draw an additional 10,000 to 12, 000 walk up to see him pitch knowing there was a good chance the game would last less then 2 hours. Randy was the draw for the Padres back then, especially when they played the Reds, for some reason as good as the Reds were back then he had their number, reporters said back then that Sparky Anderson was at odds with how could a 5′ 11 Lefty stagnate the Big Red Machine, having Pete Rose even bat left handed once against Jones, he never threw hard, just great control with all his pitches and a great sinker that never reached 90 mph.
Watching Randy Jones pitch reminds me of Jamie Moyer and Tommy John
RIP Randy Jones legendary Padres star pitcher
San Diego Community icon
Great player, funny stories
Salt of the Earth kind of guy whether you were the Owner, a CEO, just making your way in the world or whatever life path you were on
Randy treated everyone like he/she was one of his long lost pals.
Dualing with legendary Tom Seaver for the Cy Young where the stats and performance where so close that it was almost too close to call
.
In all fairness, it could have easily been Co Cy Young Winners in with Seaver that year and Randy would have won 2 Cys in a row.
Randy Jones BBQ At the Q & and Petco Park was and is always a very tasty delight along with an ice cold beverage @ the Ballpark win or lose!
Read on local media Randy’s 1st time in big leagues. Jones was brought in in relief in the 5th inning @ Shea against the Mets.
After warmups and the ball tossed around the infield, Dave Roberts was playing 3rd base and walked the ball to the mound for the rookie Randy Jones:
“Dave runs over and flips me the baseball,” Jones said, “and then he asks me, ‘Do you know who the hitter is?’
“I turned around and it was Willie Mays. Damn.”
Jones remembers getting Mays in a 1-2 hole and knew exactly what he wanted to do next.
“Figured I’d throw him a ball down and in and he’d pull it foul,” Jones said. “I was wrong.”
Instead, Mays hit a ball none of the fielders were going to get to, as he had done 655 times previously over his Hall of Fame career.
Randy Jones said that Henry Aaron also took him deep that year.
“He hit that ball so hard you wouldn’t believe it,” Jones said. “It disappeared in the dark over the bullpen in left field. … They still haven’t found it. It must have gotten lost in the parking lot somewhere.”
“There you go,” Jones said with a laugh. “I didn’t mess around, man. I was getting the big boys out of the way”.
“He just kind of flicked his wrists and it went into left-center seats about nine rows up. I just remember watching that ball hit that seat and going, ‘Damn, he didn’t even swing that hard. It kind of freaked me out.”
lol!”
Randy Jones was such a crackup and humble.
He was a rare personality in MLB
Condolences to his family, friends and fans in San Diego and throughout baseball!!!
I had the opportunity to sit behind him and his lovely wife at game two of the 1984 would series. They were delightful. He will be missed here in San Diego 😢
Sad to hear. I remember collecting his baseball card as a kid along with Fydrich and wonder how they were able to do what they did when Seaver, Carlton, Palmer, Ryan, and Sutton existed. Truly a master of their sinker.
Damn, the days where you could win a. Cy Young with a 2.7 K/9
He baffled and befuddled like no other non-knuckleballer
I watched Randy Jones pitch in the minors as a member of the Alexandria Aces in the city of Alexandria, Louisiana along with other future Padres players. Duke Snider (1972) was the Head Coach & later Pat Corrales became Head Coach their last year if my memory is correct.. My dad was a huge baseball fan and we went to many games. We lived near Alexandria. Such wonderful times.
The SD community will miss a true statesman and ambassador. There are many stories of him attending school pancake breakfast fundraisers and much more
I had an RJ jersey that I brought to Cooperstown since I heard he’d be in attendance for the Hoffman HOF induction. When I found him, He said, “you brought that THING all the way out here?!!!” Then he happily signed it
You will be missed, RJ.
RIP