Randy Jones, the San Diego Padres’ first Cy Young Award winner, died Tuesday at age 75, the team announced.
Jones was drafted by the Padres in 1972 and became the club’s first pitcher to appear in an All-Star Game in 1975. He was an All-Star the following year when he won the NL Cy Young Award.
The left-hander had a 92-105 record with a 3.30 ERA for the Padres from 1973-80. He is the franchise’s career leader in starts, complete games, shutouts and innings pitched.
After spending eight seasons with the Padres, he spent two seasons with the New York Mets, before retiring from baseball.
A statement from the Padres said:
“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.”
The cause of death was not disclosed.
Jones was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2016. He said doctors told him it was the result of chewing tobacco he used as a player and cigars used throughout his life.
After Jones’ retirement, he moved back to San Diego and became a fixture in the community. He established an annual 5K Run, Walk and Roll for Independence, an event hosted with the Home of Guiding Hands in support of those living with developmental disabilities.
NBC 7 SportsWrap Derek Togerson had the opportunity to meet Jones and became friends with the sports legend. Togerson said Jones loved San Diego and spoke often about how much the community here meant to him.
“The saying used to go that if you didn’t have Randy Jones’s autograph, it’s because you never met him,” Togerson shared. “It didn’t matter what he was doing or how badly he felt as he was battling health issues, RJ always had time for a Padres fan, to shake hands or take pictures or just talk about the game. He was one of those people who made you feel immediately welcome.”
“This town is going to miss him. The Friar Faithful are going to miss him. I’m going to miss him.”
This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
