Randy Jones, the left-handed pitcher who captured the Cy Young Award with the San Diego Padres in 1976, has died at age 75. The Padres announced his passing on Wednesday, following his death on Tuesday, though details regarding location and cause were not disclosed.
Jones’ 10-year major league career included eight seasons with the Padres and two with the New York Mets. He compiled a 100-123 win-loss record and a 3.42 ERA while setting multiple franchise records, including 253 starts, 71 complete games, 18 shutouts, and 1,766 innings pitched.
Cy Young Triumph and Career Highlights
Jones emerged as one of baseball’s top pitchers in 1975 and 1976, earning two All-Star selections. In 1975, he finished second in Cy Young voting to Tom Seaver, posting a 20-12 record and leading the National League with a 2.24 ERA, despite the Padres winning only 71 games.
The following year, Jones became the first Padres player to win the Cy Young Award. He tallied 22 wins for a 73-win team, pitching 315⅓ innings over 40 starts, including 25 complete games—the most in the majors. His everyman persona and resourceful pitching drew fans to every home start, even landing him on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Jones also earned the save in the 1975 All-Star Game and the win for the National League in 1976.
Later Career and “Junkman” Legacy
An injury in his final 1976 start prevented Jones from regaining his peak form, but he continued as a major league starter through 1982 with the Mets. Known as the “Junkman,” Jones relied on deception, control, and ground balls rather than velocity.
His career statistics reflect a different era of pitching: 285 starts, 1,933 innings, and just 735 strikeouts, including 93 in his Cy Young season.
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Padres’ Tribute and Community Impact
“Randy was a cornerstone of our franchise for over five decades,” the Padres said in a statement. “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.”
Born in Orange County, Jones returned to San Diego County after retiring from professional baseball. He became a familiar face at Padres games and in community activities. A barbecue restaurant bearing his name, originally at Qualcomm Stadium, later moved to Petco Park alongside the team.
Health Battles and Legacy
Jones announced in 2017 that he had throat cancer, likely related to his long-term use of chewing tobacco. By 2018, he declared himself cancer-free.
The Padres retired Jones’ No. 35 in 1997, and he was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 1999, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s most influential players.
Sources:
ESPN: Randy Jones, Padres’ first Cy Young Award winner, dies at 75
KPBS Public Media: Padres legend Randy Jones dies at 75
CBS Sports: Cy Young winner Randy Jones, Padres Hall of Famer, dies at 75
The Independent: Padres legend and Cy Young winner dies aged 75
ABC News / AP: Randy Jones, former Padres Cy Young winner, dies at 75
