Randy Jones, Padres' First Cy Young Winner, Dead at 75

San Diego Mourns the Passing of Randy Jones

The baseball world and San Diego Padres community are in mourning following the death of Randy Jones, the franchise's first-ever Cy Young Award winner. Jones, a beloved left-handed pitcher and San Diego icon, passed away at the age of on Tuesday, November 19, 2025. The Padres confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement, calling him "a giant in our lives and our franchise history."

Jones, a native of Orange County, California, was drafted by the Padres in the fifth round out of Chapman University in 1972. He quickly rose through the ranks, making his MLB debut in 1973 with a promising 3.16 ERA in 20 games. Though he endured a challenging 22-loss season in 1974 as the Padres struggled, Jones would soon cement his legacy as one of the game's most crafty pitchers.

Peak Dominance: The 1975-76 Cy Young Seasons

Jones' true brilliance shone in the 1975 and 1976 seasons, a stretch that transformed him into a national star. In 1975, he led the National League with a 2.24 ERA, posting a 20-12 record in 285 innings. He finished second in Cy Young voting that year to Mets legend Tom Seaver. The following season, he captured the prestigious award outright, going 22-14 with a 2.74 ERA while leading MLB in wins (22), starts (40), innings pitched (315 ⅓), and complete games (25).

"When he was on, I've never seen a better pitcher." — Merv Rettenmund, Padres teammate and Hall of Famer

Despite his modest fastball topping out at 80 mph, Jones baffled hitters with pinpoint sinkerball control. His unassuming demeanor and vintage 1970s perm made him a fan favorite, embodying the "everyman" spirit. During his peak, Padres attendance jumped significantly on his start days, with fans rising to applaud his pregame bullpen walks.

Padres Legend and Life After Baseball

Jones spent eight seasons with the Padres, retiring with a 3.30 ERA. The team honored his contributions by retiring his No. 35 in 1997 and inducting him into the Padres Hall of Fame in 1999. Traded to the Mets after the 1980 season, he concluded his 10-year MLB career in 1982 with a 100-123 record and 3.42 ERA.

Post-retirement, Jones remained deeply connected to San Diego. He served as a team ambassador, hosted popular "Randy Jones BBQ" stands at stadiums, and contributed to Padres broadcasts. In 2017, he bravely battled and overcame throat cancer, crediting fan support for his recovery.

A Legacy of Grit and Gratitude

Beyond statistics, Jones is remembered for his humility and impact on younger players. He mentored future Cy Young winner Barry Zito for five years starting when Zito was 12. His influence extended beyond baseball, as he became synonymous with San Diego's identity during the franchise's formative years.

"Randy was committed to San Diego, the Padres, and his family," the Padres stated in their tribute. "We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife Marie and the entire Jones family during this difficult time."

Jones' death marks another loss for the Padres organization, following other legends like Tony Gwynn and Jerry Coleman. His everyman approach to the game—proving that intelligence and grit could overcome physical limitations—resonates as a timeless lesson in baseball and life.