Randy Jones, the San Diego Padres’ first Cy Young Award winner and beloved franchise ambassador, died Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at age 75, the team announced Wednesday.

The left-handed pitcher who captured the hearts of San Diego fans in the mid-1970s with his unassuming style and remarkable success became a cornerstone of the franchise for more than five decades. Jones won the National League Cy Young Award in 1976, cementing his place in Padres history as the first pitcher to earn the honor for the expansion team.

Born January 12, 1950, in Fullerton, California, Jones attended Chapman College before the Padres selected him in the fifth round of the 1972 draft. He made his major league debut the following year and quickly established himself as a reliable presence in the starting rotation.

Jones emerged as one of baseball’s premier pitchers during the 1975 season, posting a 20-12 record with a league-leading 2.24 ERA. His exceptional performance earned him his first All-Star selection and a second-place finish in the Cy Young voting behind the New York Mets’ Tom Seaver. He recorded a save in the 1975 All-Star Game, demonstrating his versatility on the mound.

The following season proved even more memorable. Jones led the majors with 22 wins while pitching a remarkable 315 1/3 innings across 40 starts. He completed 25 games and posted a 2.74 ERA, numbers that secured him the Cy Young Award and his second consecutive All-Star selection. Jones won the 1976 All-Star Game for the National League, adding to his growing legacy.

His workload that season came at a cost. Jones injured a nerve in his left arm during his 40th and final start of 1976, requiring postseason surgery. He never regained his elite form, although he continued to pitch effectively at times. In 1978, he posted a 2.88 ERA, showing flashes of his former brilliance.

Jones pitched eight seasons for San Diego from 1973 to 1980, compiling a career record with the team that reflected both his peak excellence and the struggles of an expansion franchise finding its footing. His career totals included a 100-123 record and a 3.42 ERA over 10 major league seasons.

The Padres traded Jones to the Mets after the 1980 season, where he played two more years in 1981 and 1982. He attempted a comeback with the Pittsburgh Pirates during spring training in 1983 but retired after failing to make the opening day roster.

What made Jones particularly appealing to fans was his everyman quality. The left-hander relied on a sinker that topped out around 80 mph rather than overpowering velocity, mixing in sliders to left-handed batters. His approach to pitching emphasized deception and control over raw power, earning him the nickname “Junkman” and making him a unique figure in an era that celebrated hard throwers.

Jones’ starts became events at San Diego Stadium during his peak years. In 1976, attendance averaged 27,400 for his 21 home starts, while the Padres averaged only 15,769 on other home dates. Fans would rise to their feet as he walked to the bullpen before games, creating an atmosphere of anticipation that followed him throughout his career with the team.

After his playing career ended, Jones settled in north San Diego County and became a prominent ambassador for the Padres organization. He operated Randy Jones BBQ stands at both Qualcomm Stadium and later at Petco Park, becoming a regular presence at games where he greeted fans and maintained his connection to the franchise.

The Padres retired his No. 35 in 1997 and inducted him into the team’s Hall of Fame in 1999, honoring his contributions to the organization. He remained a beloved figure in San Diego, working on Padres pregame and postgame broadcasts during several stints.

In 2017, Jones revealed he had been diagnosed with throat cancer, which he attributed to his use of chewing tobacco throughout his playing career. The outpouring of support from the San Diego community during his treatment touched him deeply. He announced in May 2018 that he was cancer-free, expressing gratitude for the continued support from fans who had cheered him decades earlier.

The Padres released a statement Wednesday expressing their sorrow: “Randy was a cornerstone of our franchise for over five decades. 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.”

Jones’ legacy extends beyond statistics and awards. He represented hope for a struggling franchise and demonstrated that success could come through intelligence and guile rather than pure physical dominance. His connection to San Diego and its baseball community remained strong throughout his life, making him an enduring symbol of the Padres’ early years and their evolution into a respected major league organization.