Randy Jones, first Padres' Cy Young winner, passed away at 75

A former Cy Young Award winner and left-handed pitcher for the San Diego Padres, Randy Jones, passed away at the age of 75. The Padres made the announcement on Wednesday, revealing that Jones had died the day before, though the location and cause were not disclosed.

During his ten-year career in the major leagues, Jones spent eight seasons with the Padres and two with the New York Mets, compiling a record of 100-123 with a 3.42 ERA. He holds several pitching records for the Padres, including most starts, complete games, shutouts, and innings pitched.

In the mid-1970s, Jones established himself as one of the top pitchers in the league, earning back-to-back All-Star selections in 1975 and 1976. His standout performance in 1976 led to him becoming the first Padres player to win the prestigious Cy Young Award, following a strong 1975 season where he narrowly missed out on the award.

Throughout his career, Jones was known for his reliable pitching and workhorse mentality, exemplified by his 25 complete games in the Cy Young-winning season. Fans were drawn to his unassuming yet effective style on the mound, a factor that contributed to increased attendance at Padres games during his starts.

Despite facing challenges with injuries later in his career, Jones continued to pitch until 1982, showcasing his resilience and dedication to the game. His unique pitching approach, characterized by guile and accuracy rather than overpowering velocity, earned him the nickname "Junkman" among his peers.

The impact of Jones extended beyond his playing days, as he remained closely associated with the Padres organization, representing the team at various events and engaging with fans. His contributions were recognized with the retirement of his jersey number and induction into the Padres Hall of Fame.

Following his retirement, Jones battled throat cancer, which he attributed to his longtime use of chewing tobacco during his playing career. After successfully overcoming the illness in 2018, he continued to be a beloved figure in the San Diego community, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the field.