By @VisualTejeda – FriarPulse

Published November 19, 2025 — 2:21 PM (PST) — Carlsbad, California

Today hits hard. The Padres announced the passing of Randy Jones, and honestly, this one feels personal for San Diego. Randy wasn’t just another former player — he was one of the first true faces of this franchise. If you grew up around Padres baseball, you knew his name before you even understood the game.

Randy was the definition of old-school pitching. He didn’t overpower hitters — he outsmarted them. He worked fast, he attacked the strike zone, and he made big league hitters uncomfortable in a way we just don’t see anymore. And when he won the 1976 NL Cy Young Award, he put the Padres on the national map in a way nobody else had before.

More Than Just a Cy Young Winner

On the field, Randy built a résumé that still stands tall in Padres history. But the thing about him is that his impact didn’t stop once he walked off the mound. Randy stayed connected to this city. He stayed connected to the fans. He always showed up — at FanFest, community events, interviews, wherever the Padres were, Randy was there with a smile and a story.

He didn’t act like a superstar. He acted like someone who loved the game and loved the people who supported it.

A San Diego Icon Through and Through

Randy Jones was one of those rare guys who became part of the identity of a franchise. Padres fans of all ages knew him — whether from watching him pitch, hearing his voice, or just bumping into him around the ballpark. He made everyone feel like they were part of something bigger.

And that’s what made him special. Not just the numbers. Not just the awards. It was the way he connected with people. The way he represented San Diego with pride. The way he helped shape Padres culture from the early years all the way to today.

His Legacy Lives On

Losing Randy Jones is a big loss for the Padres family, but his legacy isn’t going anywhere. He will always be remembered as a Cy Young winner, a Padres Hall of Famer, and one of the most genuine ambassadors this franchise has ever had.

Rest in peace, Randy. Thank you for everything you did for San Diego. You will always be part of this city and this team.