"A true Padres legend"; "Baseball won’t forget him" - MLB fans pay tribute as Randy Jones dies at 75

Legendary San Diego Padres pitcher Randy Jones has died, the team announced on Wednesday. Known for a nasty sinker that was almost unhittable when executed perfectly, Jones became the first Padre to win the NL Cy Young award in 1976.

Shortly after the Padres' announcement, MLB mourned Jones' death on X.

"We are saddened to learn of the passing of former San Diego Padres pitcher Randy Jones, the 1976 National League Cy Young Award winner and two-time All-Star.

Jones pitched eight seasons with San Diego and two with the Mets. He was a beloved ambassador for the Padres organization, where his No. 35 was retired by the team in 1997," the post read.

MLB

@MLB

We are saddened to learn of the passing of former San Diego Padres pitcher Randy Jones, the 1976 National League Cy Young Award winner and two-time All-Star.​Jones won 20 games in 1975 and led the NL with a 2.24 ERA. He finished second to Hall of Famer Tom Seaver in Cy Young voting that season.​The left-hander followed that up in 1976 by leading the NL with 22 wins, 40 games started, 25 complete games, 315.1 innings pitched, and a 1.03 WHIP.​A sinkerball pitcher known as a fast worker, Jones clocked several games under two hours, and outdueled Hall of Famer Steve Carlton with a four-hit shutout in just 1 hour and 31 minutes.​He was the NL’s starting pitcher in the 1976 All-Star Game and went on to become the first Cy Young winner in Padres history.​Jones pitched eight seasons with San Diego and two with the Mets. He was a beloved ambassador for the Padres organization, where his No. 35 was retired by the team in 1997. Two years later, Jones was part of the first class inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame.​Among the many young pitchers he tutored over the years was 2002 AL Cy Young Award winner Barry Zito.​Jones was 75 years old.

Several fans left comments paying tribute to the legendary southpaw.

"Rest in peace, Randy Jones – a true Padres legend," a fan wrote

Yanah

@YanaSn0w1

Rest in peace, Randy Jones – a true Padres legend.

"Randy Jones made Padres history and inspired countless pitchers. Baseball won’t forget him, and neither will his fans," another fan commented

magic fingers

@KevinBradly4

Randy Jones made Padres history and inspired countless pitchers. Baseball won’t forget him, and neither will his fans.

"A true craftsman of the game. Randy wasn’t just a Cy Young winner, he was a reminder of an era where pitching was rhythm, precision, and pure mastery. One of the greats, on and off the field," another fan replied

"From the Padres to the Hall of Fame, his impact will live on ❤️," another fan responded

"Such a great guy. Met him several times and he was always willing to talk to fans. RIP Randy," another fan shared

"RIP Legendary Randy," another fan posted

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"He was giant in our lives" - San Diego Padres release emotional statement honoring Randy Jones

On Wednesday, the San Diego Padres also released a statement mourning the loss of a "franchise cornerstone."

"With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, the Padres mourn the passing of our beloved left-hander, Randy Jones. 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. 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," the statement read.

San Francisco Giants v San Diego Padres - Source: Getty

The cause of Jones' death has not yet been disclosed to the public.