Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Randy Jones, Padres’ First Cy Young Winner and Beloved Team Ambassador, Dies at 75

The team described the 1976 award winner as a cornerstone presence whose retired No. 35 reflects a five-decade bond with San Diego fans.

Overview

  • San Diego announced Wednesday that Jones died Tuesday at age 75, with no cause or location of death disclosed in the team’s statement.
  • Jones became the first Padres pitcher to win the Cy Young Award in 1976 after leading the majors in wins, starts, innings and complete games.
  • He also starred in 1975, leading the NL with a 2.24 ERA and earning All-Star selections in both seasons, with the All-Star save in 1975 and the win in 1976.
  • An arm nerve injury in his final 1976 start required surgery and curtailed his dominance; he later pitched for the Mets and finished with a 100–123 record and 3.42 ERA over 10 seasons.
  • Post‑career, he was a visible Padres ambassador with Randy Jones BBQ stands and broadcast work; the club retired No. 35 in 1997, inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 1999, and he later said he was cancer‑free after a 2016 throat cancer diagnosis.