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BORN
1950
DIED
2025
Randy Jones Obituary
Born on January 12, 1950, in Fullerton, California, he attended Brea-Olinda High School and played college baseball at Chapman University before being selected in the fifth round of the 1972 MLB draft by the Padres. He made his major-league debut on June 16, 1973, for San Diego, launching a decade-long career.
During his tenure with the Padres (1973-1980) and later the New York Mets (1981-1982), Jones became known for his crafty, sinker-heavy pitching style rather than overpowering speed. He enjoyed peak performance in 1975 and 1976, posting records of 20-12 with a 2.24 ERA in 1975 and 22-14 with a 2.74 ERA in 1976. He led the league in 1976 in innings pitched with 315.1, as well as complete games with 25, earning the Cy Young Award. He was the first pitcher in Padres history to do so.
His number 35 was retired by the Padres in 1997, and he was inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 1999. When he retired with a career record of 100-123 and an ERA of 3.42, he had built a legacy that extended far beyond statistics.
Having made his mark as a pitcher, Jones also became a beloved figure in the San Diego community, operating the "Randy Jones BBQ" concession at stadiums and serving as an ambassador for the team. In 2016, he was diagnosed with throat cancer; by 2017 he announced he was cancer-free.
The Padres organization issued a statement recognizing Jones as "a cornerstone of our franchise for over five decades" and a "giant in our lives and our franchise history." He is survived by his wife, Marie, and their family.
Randy Jones' legacy is anchored not only in his 1976 season and his Cy Young Award, but also in his role in elevating a young franchise's identity and connecting with fans. The everyman pitcher who relied on guile rather than power helped put the Padres "on the map". He will be remembered by baseball fans and the San Diego community alike for his competitive spirit, his humility, and his lasting presence in the game.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: Ron Vesely/Getty Images)
12 Entries
Kevin F
Earlier today
Randy was not only the 1st CY Young Award winner in San Diego Padres history, he was a true ambassador to San Diego
He´ll never be forgotten by Padres fans along with Mr Tony Gwynn
Thank you Randy
May you rest in peace
Brian Goforth
Earlier today
Randy Jones will always be Mr Padre. His love for the game and the fans is what made him who he was. He always had time to talk with kids and adults no matter the time of day or where he was, he would make himself late for a meeting just to finish talking with you, and he would teel you that as well. His stories of the game and the players he shared his career with were always shared by him, they were funny times and serious times. He was so intresting to talk with. I, along with everyone else will definitely miss you my man, you were and will always be remembered as a one of a kind great man and awesome player.
John Easler
Yesterday
Randy was my hero back in the 70s and my alltime favorite player. I saw him pitch in those years, but, unfortunately, I never had the good fortune to ever meet him or shake his hand. God Bless and rest in peace, #35.
Curt Harris
Yesterday
I grew up down the street from Randy. His dad was my Little League coach. Randay pitched, I rode the pine
How you can show support
Rev/Fr Protodeacon George Haloulakos
Yesterday
Randy Jones lived a life of integrity in God's Love. When my father was very ill with oral cancer, Randy reached out to our family that included a signed photo with a personal handwritten message of encouragement plus a signed baseball. Dad kept both of these treasured items on his bedroom nightstand and was inspired to keep up the good fight (2 Tim 4:7). We are forever grateful to Randy for his kindness and generosity of spirit. Randy's record of accomplishment as an MLB pitcher (CYA 1976) and successful entrepreneur (BBQ) is only exceeded by his charity in giving of himself to others. May Randy rest in peace and may all of his loved ones find comfort in knowing how deserving he truly is of "Well done, My good and faithful servant." We pray that his memory be eternal.
Love and Blessings,
Rev/Fr Protodeacon George Haloulakos
San Diego, CA
Hal Hensler
Yesterday
I was Randy´s team mate and catcher at Chapman College. He was the best "risk taker" when pitching and never faltered when pressured. He was a star that everyone admired but was humble and a true competitor. I have many wonderful memories with him especially driving to road games in his mustang mach 1 listening to music on his eight track! And....our debacle at ASU as freshmen!
Peace to you my friend......you were truly one of a kind.
Hal Hensler
Albert Alioto
November 19, 2025
From a Giants fan who remembers how great he was, rest in peace.
Michael Cruz
November 19, 2025
I had the privilege to watch Randy Jones take the bump in the 1970's. In 1976 Randy threw pitches that the batters beat the ball into the ground. His pitches were from just above the knees to just above the ankles. RIP Randy 35 thanks for the memories and prayers for his family.
J.R.C.
November 19, 2025
Randy was a good friend of my father´s, many years back now but he said to me that you´d never meet a nicer guy. I was very surprised to see this and my condolences go out to his family. Thank you Randy for all you gave to everyone in the seventy five plus years you were here, all the contributions of kindness that you had in abundance. The world lost a good man yesterday but heaven gained a great one!
David Lewis
November 19, 2025
Thank you my friend Randy I we'll mis you your fan David. L.
Kenneth Boss
November 19, 2025
Met Randy at Petco Park several times while working there. He always had time to talk to me and I enjoyed our coversations immensley! What a gentelman. He will be missed my all of lifetime fans of the,San Diego Padres.
Bob Davis
November 19, 2025
Bob still talks about Randy. Whenever he is asked " Who was your favorite and the best pitcher you ever caught?" Randy Jones is his answer to both! Lots of great memories of you both! He will be missed by many! Our prayers are with you and your family!
Bob and Billie Davis
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