Randy Jones: Padres| Cause of death| Pitcher| Stats| How did die

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Randy Jones, born Randall Leo Jones on January 12, 1950, in Fullerton, California, emerged as a cornerstone of the San Diego Padres franchise. He attended Brea-Olinda High School and went on to pitch for Chapman University, where he developed strong control and a devastating sinker.
He was drafted by the Padres in the 5th round of the 1972 MLB draft.
He made his Major League debut on June 16, 1973.

Pitching Career & Achievements

Style and Strengths

Jones was a crafty left-handed pitcher, nicknamed “Junkman” for his reliance on finesse rather than power.
He was known for his sinkerball that induced a high number of ground-ball outs, and his exceptional control made him very efficient.

Peak Seasons

• 1975: Jones posted a 2.24 ERA and finished second in the National League Cy Young Award voting.

• 1976: His finest season — he went 22–14, logged 315 1/3 innings, recorded 25 complete games, and won the NL Cy Young Award.

Career Stats

Here’s a snapshot of his MLB career (from MLB.com):

Despite his respectable ERA, Jones retired with a losing record, making him one of the rare starting pitchers to win a Cy Young but have a career losing record.

Legacy with the Padres

• He became the first-ever Padres pitcher to win the Cy Young Award.

• The Padres retired his No. 35 jersey in 1997.

• He was inducted into the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame in 1999.

• After his playing career, he remained deeply connected to San Diego: coaching, mentoring young pitchers (notably Barry Zito), running a restaurant, working at car washes, and serving as a team ambassador.

Health Struggles: Throat Cancer

Later in life, Jones battled throat cancer, which he publicly revealed in 2017.

• He linked the diagnosis to his long-term use of chewing tobacco during his playing days and cigar smoking.

• He underwent radiation and chemotherapy.

• By early 2018, he announced that he was cancer-free, a remarkable recovery celebrated by fans.

Death: Cause and Reaction

• Randy Jones passed away on November 18, 2025, at the age of 75.

• The San Diego Padres issued a statement mourning his death, calling him a “cornerstone” of the franchise.

• As of now, no official cause of death has been disclosed.

Legacy & Impact

1. Franchise icon – Jones helped put the Padres “on the map” in the mid-1970s, raising their national profile.

2. Workhorse pitcher – His ability to throw deep into games (25 complete games in 1976) is a testimony to his stamina and durability.

3. Role model & mentor – After retiring, he stayed involved in the game, coaching younger pitchers, and acting as an ambassador for the team.

4. Health cautionary tale – His cancer diagnosis highlighted the risks associated with chewing tobacco and smoking, especially among athletes.

Conclusion

Randy Jones was more than just a great pitcher; he was a beloved figure in San Diego baseball history. With pinpoint control, an unassuming style, and a fierce dedication to his craft, he became the Padres’ first Cy Young Award winner and one of their most enduring symbols. His battle with throat cancer later in life, and eventual passing at 75, reminds us both of his human fragility and his strength. Though the cause of his death remains undisclosed, his impact on baseball—and on the Padres community—will be remembered for generations.