By @VisualTejeda – FriarPulse

Published January 25, 2026 — 8:05 AM (PST) — Carlsbad, California

Hey, what’s up everyone — welcome to another episode of FriarPulse! Today we’re diving into a meaningful detail you’re going to see stitched onto the Padres uniforms all season long: a No. 35 patch.

The Padres are wearing this patch throughout the 2026 season to honor and remember Randy Jones — one of the most important players in franchise history and a true symbol of Padres baseball from the early days.

What the No. 35 Patch Means

This isn’t a fashion choice or a random throwback. This is a tribute. The Padres are choosing to wear No. 35 on the field as a season-long reminder of what Randy Jones meant to San Diego — on the mound, in the community, and in the story of this franchise.

Who Was Randy Jones?

Randy Jones was a left-handed starter who helped carry the Padres during their tough early years. He wasn’t just good — he was historically important.

• Padres pitcher from 1973 to 1980
• Known as “The Junkman” for his crafty, sinker-heavy style
• Winner of the 1976 National League Cy Young Award
• The first Cy Young winner in Padres history
• A two-time All-Star and long-time fan favorite

In a time when the Padres didn’t have many national headlines, Randy Jones gave San Diego something real: a star that belonged to us.

Why This Hits Different

What makes this tribute feel personal is that Randy Jones never felt like a distant “history book” name. Padres fans knew him. He stayed connected to the team and the city, and he always carried that proud Padres identity.

So when the team puts No. 35 on the jersey in 2026, it’s not just honoring a past player — it’s honoring a foundation piece.

The Legacy On the Jersey

Every game. Every inning. Every moment the Padres take the field this year — that patch will be there.

It’s a reminder that before the big contracts, the postseason runs, and the modern era of Padres baseball, there were players like Randy Jones who helped make this franchise what it is today.

Rest easy, Junkman. Padres fans won’t forget.

Thanks for watching, Padres fans. Stay sharp, stay faithful, and I’ll catch you right here next time on FriarPulse.