Randy Jones, the left-handed pitcher who won the National League Cy Young Award in 1976, has died at the age of 75. The San Diego Padres announced his passing on Wednesday, expressing deep sorrow in a statement.
The Padres described Jones as a “cornerstone of our franchise for over five decades” and the first Padres pitcher to win the Cy Young Award. He was inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame in 1999 and had his No. 35 jersey retired in 1977.
Jones pitched for the Padres from 1973 to 1980, achieving his finest seasons in 1975 and 1976. In 1975, he posted a 20-12 record with a league-best 2.24 ERA. The following year, he recorded 22 wins, 25 complete games, and 315 1/3 innings pitched, dazzling fans with his control.
His popularity was such that his home starts in 1976 drew an average of 27,400 spectators, well above the team average. However, a nerve injury in his biceps curtailed his dominance. After two seasons with the New York Mets, he returned to Southern California.
The cause of death was not disclosed, though Jones had survived throat cancer and was a long-time user of chewing tobacco. He finished his career with a 100-123 record and a 3.42 ERA.
