Former NL Cy Young Winner Dies at 75, Cause of Death Not Given

Former San Diego Padres star and 1976 National League Cy Young Award winner Randy Jones died Tuesday, the team announced Wednesday morning. Jones was 75.

No official cause of death has been provided. Jones pitched for the Padres from 1973-1980 and remained active around the organization after his playing days ended. The Padres retired the lefthander's No. 35 after he retired and inducted Jones into the franchise's inaugural Hall of Fame class in 1999.

Padres share heartfelt statement

Eight of Jones' 10 Major League seasons were spent with San Diego, and the team honored him in a statement announcing his passing this morning.

“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, the Padres mourn the passing of our beloved left-hander, Randy Jones,” the Padres’ statement read.

“Pandy was a cornerstone of our franchise for over five decades, highlighted by becoming the first Padres pitcher to win the Cy Young Award. 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.  Crossing paths with RJ and talking baseball or life was a joy for everyone fortunate enough to spend time with him.  Randy was committed to San Diego, the Padres, and his family.  He was a giant in our lives and our franchise history.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife Marie and the entire Jones family during this difficult time. RJ will be greatly missed.”

Forever a franchise legend

Jones made his MLB debut in 1973, going 7-6 in 20 games with 19 starts. The following season, he led the league in losses with 22, but things began to turn in 1975.

That year, Jones went 20-12 with an NL-best 2.24 ERA in 37 games, finishing second in the Cy Young voting and earning his first All-Star selection. He followed that performance up with a league-leading 22 wins, another All-Star nod and a Cy Young victory in 1976.

Jones remained a consistent part of San Diego's rotation over the next four seasons but never matched his output from 1975-76. He closed out his career with two seasons in New York, going 8-18 with the Mets in 1981-82.

After retirement, Jones stayed close to the Padres, opening Randy Jones Bar-B-Q at Qualcomm Stadium before moving it to Petco Park when the Padres changed home venues. Jones also served as a team ambassador, broadcaster and spring training instructor over the years.