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Former Cy Young winner Randy Jones, who was the first player to win the award as a member of the San Diego Padres, has died at the age of 75, the team announced in a statement shared on by MLB.com Wednesday (November 19).
“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, the Padres mourn the passing of our beloved left-hander, Randy Jones," the statement reads. "Randy 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.”
Jones spent his first eight seasons with the Padres and last two with the New York Mets before retiring prior to the 1983 MLB season. The California native had a 100-123 career record with a 3.42 ERA and 735 strikeouts, leading the league with a career-best 22 wins during his 1976 Cy Young season, one year after posting a National League-best 2.24 ERA in 1975, having been selected as an All-Star during both seasons.