Introduction
Randy Jones was more than just a talented left-handed pitcher. Known affectionately by Padres fans as “RJ,” he became a cornerstone of San Diego baseball — first for his on-field excellence, and later for his role as a community ambassador. From his Cy Young Award-winning career to his beloved Randy Jones BBQ stand, his legacy is multifaceted. In November 2025, the baseball world mourned his passing at age 75. Below, we explore his life, career, his BBQ business, and what is known (and not known) about how he died.
Early Life and Baseball Beginnings
Randy Jones was born January 12, 1950, in Fullerton, California. He attended Chapman University, where he played college baseball before being drafted by the San Diego Padres in the fifth round of the 1972 MLB Draft.
He made his Major League debut on June 16, 1973, with the Padres. Over the course of his MLB career, he played 10 seasons (1973–1982), mostly with the Padres and finishing with the New York Mets.
Baseball Career & Stats
Style and Pitching Personality
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Nicknamed the “Junkman”, Jones wasn’t a flamethrower. He relied on craft, control, and deception.
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His signature pitch was a heavy sinker, often in the low-to-mid-80s mph range, far from the high-velocity arms that dominate modern baseball.
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He mixed in a slider, particularly to left-handed hitters.
Career Highlights & Peak (1975–1976)
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1975: One of his breakout years — he posted a 20–12 record with a 2.24 ERA. He also led the National League in ERA that year.
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1976 (Cy Young season): This was his signature year. He went 22–14 with a 2.74 ERA, starting 40 games, pitching 315⅓ innings, and had 25 complete games. He won the National League Cy Young Award.
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He even made the cover of Sports Illustrated mid-1976, with the headline “Threat to win 30,” due to his dominant first half.
Career Totals
Over his 10-year MLB career, Jones compiled:
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Win–Loss record: 100–123
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Earned Run Average (ERA): 3.42
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Strikeouts: 735
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Innings pitched: ~1,933
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WHIP (walks + hits per inning): ~1.25
Other notable achievements:
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2× All-Star (1975, 1976)
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Led the NL in wins, innings, and complete games in 1976
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His number 35 was retired by the Padres in 1997, and he was inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame in 1999.
Challenges & Decline
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In his final start of the 1976 season, Jones tore a nerve near his left biceps tendon.
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This injury required surgery and significantly impacted his performance afterward.
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After the 1980 season, he was traded to the New York Mets, where he played two more seasons before retiring.
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He attempted a comeback in 1983 but did not make the roster.
Legacy on the Mound
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As noted by ESPN, despite having a sub-.500 record (100–123), his crafty pitching and durability left a lasting mark on the Padres’ history.
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Baseball-Reference highlights his 17.8 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), reflecting his true value over time.
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He remains among Padres’ all-time leaders in starts, innings pitched, complete games, and shutouts.
Randy Jones BBQ & Post-Playing Life
After his baseball career, Randy Jones would remain deeply connected to San Diego and the Padres community.
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He settled in North County, San Diego, and often appeared at Petco Park as a beloved ambassador, greeting fans, doing interviews, and sharing stories.
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Importantly, he founded Randy Jones BBQ, a food stand / eatery that became part of the Padres game-day experience: first at Qualcomm Stadium, and later at Petco Park.
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The Randy Jones BBQ restaurant (listed at 100 Park Blvd, San Diego) is a local favorite.
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He also gave back: he started a 5K Run / Walk & Roll benefiting Home of Guiding Hands, an organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities.
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As a mentor, Jones worked with young pitchers, even helping future Cy Young winner Barry Zito in his youth.
Health Struggles: Cancer Battle
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In 2016, Jones was diagnosed with throat cancer.
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According to his own account, the cancer was likely linked to his long-term use of chewing tobacco during his playing days, as well as cigars.
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By 2018, he announced that he was cancer-free after treatment.
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Despite this serious health challenge, he remained publicly active, attending Padres games and engaging with fans.
Death: How Did Randy Jones Die? Cause of Death
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Randy Jones died on November 18, 2025, at age 75.
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The Padres organization released a statement mourning his passing, calling him “a cornerstone of our franchise for over five decades.”
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No official cause of death has been publicly disclosed.
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Some reports note that the family has kept the cause private.
Why Randy Jones Mattered: Legacy & Impact
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Pitching Innovation & Control
Randy Jones exemplified a different era of pitching. He didn’t rely on overpowering velocity, but rather on sinkers, sliders, and precision. His success demonstrated the effectiveness of strategy, craft, and mental toughness. -
Padres’ Early Hero
When the Padres were still a young franchise, Jones emerged as a star. His Cy Young win in 1976 helped legitimize the team, putting them on the national baseball map. -
Community Icon
Beyond his playing career, Jones gave back. His BBQ stand at the ballpark wasn’t just a business — it was a gathering place for fans. His run/walk event showed his commitment to social causes. And as an ambassador, he became a face of the franchise. -
Resilience
Battling throat cancer and emerging cancer-free showed his personal strength. Even then, he remained loyal to the Padres and their fans. -
Mentorship
By working with young pitchers like Barry Zito, Jones helped shape the next generation of baseball talent.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What were Randy Jones’ career MLB statistics?
A1: Over his 10-year MLB career, Randy Jones had a 100–123 win-loss record, a 3.42 ERA, 735 strikeouts, and pitched about 1,933 innings.
Q2: When did Randy Jones win the Cy Young Award?
A2: He won the National League Cy Young Award in 1976, after a stellar season (22–14 record, 2.74 ERA, 315+ innings).
Q3: Why was Randy Jones called the “Junkman”?
A3: The nickname came from his pitching style — he didn’t throw hard, but used a heavy sinker, sliders, and clever pitch sequences to induce weak contact.
Q4: What was Randy Jones BBQ?
A4: Randy Jones BBQ was a food stand / restaurant associated with the Padres. It first operated at Qualcomm Stadium, then moved to Petco Park. It became a popular spot among fans for BBQ fare.
Q5: Did Randy Jones have health issues?
A5: Yes. In 2016, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, which he attributed to his longtime use of chewing tobacco and cigars. He announced he was cancer-free in 2018 after treatment.
Q6: What was the cause of Randy Jones’ death?
A6: The official cause of death has not been made public.
Q7: What legacy did Randy Jones leave behind?
A7: Randy Jones left a multi-layered legacy: as a Cy Young-winning pitcher, a symbol of craft and grit; as a community ambassador; as a mentor to young players; and as a personality fans connected with via his BBQ stand and public presence.
Conclusion
Randy Jones was more than a former Major League pitcher. He embodied a rare combination of athletic excellence, humility, and community dedication. His 1975–1976 peak put him among baseball’s elite, but his post-career life endeared him even more deeply to Padres fans. While his passing in 2025 left many questions — including around the cause — his legacy continues to shine, for both the way he played and the way he lived.
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