Padres to Honor Randy jones with Uniform Patch, Remembering a ‘Junkman’ Legend
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The San Diego Padres will commemorate the life and career of former Cy Young Award winner Randy Jones by adorning thier uniforms this season with a patch bearing his number 35. The tribute follows a festivity of life held Saturday at Petco Park, honoring Jones, who passed away in November at the age of 75.
A Padres Cornerstone
Jones pitched for the Padres for eight years, from 1973 to 1980, becoming a beloved figure in San Diego baseball history. He was inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame in 1999, and his name remains prominently displayed above the field at Petco Park, a testament to his enduring legacy.
“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts,the Padres mourn the passing of our beloved left-hander,Randy Jones,” the organization stated last year. “Randy was a cornerstone of our franchise for over five decades,highlighted by becoming the first Padres pitcher to win the Cy Young Award.”
The “Junkman” and His 1976 Season
Known as the “Junkman” for his deceptive sinker and ability to induce ground balls, Jones earned National League cy Young Award honors in 1976. Remarkably, he achieved this feat while leading the majors in wins with 22, despite pitching for a Padres team that finished 16 games below .500. His dominant season was sadly cut short by a torn muscle in his 40th start, an injury that ultimately impacted his ability to regain his peak form.
Jones was a two-time All-Star, earning the honor in both 1975 and 1976. Despite his accolades, he remains unique in baseball history as the only starting pitcher to win a Cy Young Award but retire with a losing record of 100-123.
Beyond the Mound
Jones’ impact extended beyond his pitching prowess. According to a team release, he became a “tremendous ambassador for the team and a true fan favourite” in his post-playing career. “Crossing paths with RJ and talking baseball or life was a joy for everyone fortunate enough to spend time with him,” the organization added.
Born and raised in Southern California, Jones attended Brea-Olinda High School in Brea and Chapman College (now University) in Orange. Following his time with the Padres, he pitched for the New York Mets (1981-1982) and briefly with the Pittsburgh Pirates before ending his professional career.
A Battle with Cancer and Lasting Legacy
Jones faced a health scare in 2022 when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, attributing it to a lifetime of chewing tobacco. He was thankfully declared cancer-free the following year.
The Padres organization extended its deepest sympathies to his wife, Marie, and the entire Jones family. Randy Jones will be remembered not only as a gifted pitcher but as a dedicated member of the San Diego community and a true giant in Padres franchise history.
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Expanded News Report:
Why: The San Diego Padres are honoring the life and career of former pitcher Randy Jones, who passed away in November 2023 at the age of 75. The team will wear a uniform patch with his number 35 throughout the 2024 season.
Who: Randy Jones was a left-handed pitcher who played eight seasons with the san Diego Padres (1973-1980), as well as stints with the New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a two
