Randy Jones, the southpaw who won the National League Cy Young Award in 1976, passed away at the age of 75. His career with the San Diego Padres began in 1973, when he made his MLB debut and quickly established himself as a formidable presence on the mound. With a 3.16 ERA in 20 appearances during his rookie season, Jones showcased his potential and set the stage for an impressive future.
Following his breakthrough performance, Jones continued to develop as a pitcher, earning his first All-Star nod in 1975 and finishing second in the Cy Young Award voting behind Tom Seaver. In 1976, he led the National League with 25 complete games, 1.03 WHIP, and 22 wins, earning him the Cy Young Award. Despite a setback in 1977 when he injured a nerve in his left arm, Jones maintained a strong presence in the league, albeit with a slightly higher ERA in his later seasons.
Throughout his career, Jones was known for his control and ability to pitch deep into games. He had only 93 strikeouts in his Cy Young-winning season, and his career best was 124 in 1974. Interestingly, he remains the only pitcher to win a Cy Young Award but have a losing career record. His legacy is further solidified by his role in the Padres’ inaugural Hall of Fame class in 1999, and his No. 35 jersey was retired by the team in 1997 in honor of his contributions.
The Padres released a statement expressing their deep sorrow over his passing, calling Jones a ‘cornerstone’ of the franchise and a ‘tremendous community ambassador.’ Fans and colleagues alike will remember him as a pivotal figure who helped bring prominence to the expansion team and shaped the legacy of the Padres as a competitive force in the National League.