Randy Jones, the left-handed pitcher who became the San Diego Padres‘ first Cy Young Award winner and captivated fans with his sinker fastball that rarely exceeded 80 mph, died Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at age 75. The team announced his death on Wednesday morning without disclosing the cause.
Born January 12, 1950, in Fullerton, California, Jones was drafted by the Padres in the fifth round of the 1972 draft out of Chapman College. He made his major league debut in 1973 and would spend eight seasons with the franchise, establishing himself as one of baseball’s most unlikely stars during the mid-1970s.
Jones’ breakout came in 1975 when he posted a 20-12 record with a league-leading 2.24 ERA, finishing second in National League Cy Young Award voting behind Tom Seaver. The performance earned him his first All-Star selection, and he recorded the save in that year’s All-Star Game.
The following season proved to be the pinnacle of Jones’ career. In 1976, he went 22-14 with a 2.74 ERA, leading the majors with 22 wins, 40 starts, 315 1/3 innings pitched, and 25 complete games. Those numbers captured the Cy Young Award and earned him a second consecutive All-Star nod, where he earned the win for the National League. Perhaps most remarkable was that Jones recorded only 93 strikeouts during his Cy Young season, relying instead on ground balls and movement to retire batters.
Jones’ success stemmed from an unconventional approach in an era increasingly dominated by power pitchers. The left-hander fed right-handed hitters a steady diet of sinkers that topped out at 80 mph, while left-handed batters received a mix of sinkers and sliders. His ability to induce weak contact and work quickly made his starts must-see events at San Diego Stadium, where attendance averaged 27,400 for his 21 home starts in 1976 compared to 15,769 on other dates.
Fans would rise to their feet as Jones made his pregame walk to the bullpen in foul territory near the left-field corner, with applause growing with each step. His everyman appearance, featuring a vintage 1970s perm, and his unassuming fastball made him relatable to fans who saw him as proof that guile and intelligence could overcome physical limitations.
The physical toll of his workload proved costly. Jones injured a nerve near his left biceps tendon in his 40th and final start of 1976, requiring postseason surgery. He never regained his dominant form, though he continued pitching for the Padres through the 1980 season before being traded to the New York Mets.
Jones spent two seasons with the Mets in 1981 and 1982 before retiring. His career record stood at 100-123 with a 3.42 ERA over 10 major league seasons. Despite the losing record, Jones remains the only pitcher to win a Cy Young Award with a sub-.500 career winning percentage, a testament to the quality of his peak performance with struggling Padres teams.
Following his playing career, Jones remained deeply connected to San Diego and the Padres organization. He settled in north San Diego County and worked as an ambassador for the team, becoming a regular presence at Petco Park, where he met and greeted fans. His Randy Jones BBQ stands became a staple first at Qualcomm Stadium and later at Petco Park, further cementing his place in franchise lore.
The Padres retired Jones’ number 35 in 1997 and inducted him into the team’s Hall of Fame in 1999. These honors recognized not only his on-field achievements but his enduring impact on a franchise that struggled through its early years. Jones’ success in 1975 and 1976 marked the first two times the Padres finished anywhere but last place in the National League West.
Reports indicate Jones was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2017, which sources attributed to his longtime use of chewing tobacco. He announced in May 2018 that he was cancer-free, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans during his treatment.
“Randy was a cornerstone of our franchise for over five decades,” the Padres said in their statement. “His impact and popularity only grew in his post-playing career, becoming a tremendous ambassador for the team and a true fan favorite.”
Jones’ legacy extends beyond statistics. He represented a possibility for an expansion franchise searching for identity and gave fans in San Diego their first legitimate baseball star. His ability to succeed without overwhelming physical tools made him accessible and beloved in ways that transcended wins and losses. For a generation of Padres fans, Randy Jones was the face of their team and proof that heart and intelligence could triumph in baseball’s highest arena.
