San Diego, California – San Diego Padres icon Randy Jones, the legendary lefty who clinched the team’s very first Cy Young Award, has died at the age of 75, the franchise announced on Tuesday, shrouding Padres Nation in sorrow.
Drafted back in 1972, Jones rapidly carved his name into Padres history, landing a spot in the 1975 All-Star Game—the first Padres pitcher ever to earn the honor. Just a year later, he stormed his way to baseball’s highest pitching accolade, securing the National League Cy Young Award in 1976.
During his tenure in San Diego (1973-80), Jones notched a 92-105 record, boasting a 3.30 ERA. He remains top dog in the club’s record books for starts, complete games, shutouts, and innings pitched—a true titan on the mound whose numbers still tower over the franchise.
After waving goodbye to Padres brown and gold, Jones wrapped up his major league journey with a two-year stint in New York as a Met, before hanging up his cleats for good.
Padres leadership called his death a devastating blow, saying in a statement: “It is with profound grief that we bid farewell to our beloved Randy Jones. From capturing our first Cy Young Award to being enshrined in the Padres Hall of Fame in 1999, Randy’s influence and popularity only soared after his playing days. He embodied San Diego’s heart—always giving, always approachable, and always proud to be a Padre. Anyone lucky enough to chat with ‘RJ’ about baseball or anything else came away feeling better for it. His unwavering devotion to his hometown, his team, and his loved ones set a standard we can only hope to match.”
The team extended its deepest condolences to his wife Marie and the Jones family, admitting, “His absence will be felt by all.”
No cause of death has been shared with the public.
Jones revealed in 2016 that he had been battling throat cancer, blaming years of chewing tobacco and cigars for his diagnosis—a candid confession that only added to his everyman appeal.
Post-retirement, RJ never abandoned San Diego. He became a fixture at charity events, notably launching the annual 5K Run, Walk and Roll for Independence to benefit the Home of Guiding Hands, boosting support for people facing developmental disabilities.
NBC 7’s Derek Togerson, who grew close with the Padres legend, painted a vivid picture: “If you didn’t have Randy Jones’ autograph, it just meant you’d never bumped into him. Nothing—not illness, not fame—could keep him from greeting fans, signing balls, or swapping baseball tales. He made everyone feel at home.”
As Togerson summed it up: “This city is poorer for losing him. Padres fans everywhere are mourning, and so am I.”
