San Diego, January 25, 2026
The San Diego Padres held a heartfelt celebration of life for Randy Jones, a former pitcher and Cy Young Award winner, at Petco Park. Family, teammates, and fans gathered to honor his significant contributions to the team and the local community. The Padres announced their tribute for the upcoming season, wearing a memorial patch to celebrate Jones’s enduring legacy as a beloved athlete and ambassador.
San Diego Celebrates the Life of Cy Young Winner Randy Jones
San Diego, CA – The San Diego Padres hosted a moving celebration of life for former pitcher Randy Jones on January 24, 2026, at Petco Park. This heartfelt gathering brought together family, former teammates, team executives, and fans, all aiming to honor Jones’s remarkable contributions to the franchise and the San Diego community.
Event Details
The ceremony began at 11 a.m. PT, featuring speeches from Padres CEO Erik Greupner and various esteemed figures from the baseball community. Greupner announced that the team would wear a No. 35 memorial patch throughout the 2026 season to commemorate Jones’s enduring legacy. This community-oriented event was open to the public, offering free admission and parking in Padres-controlled lots, although fans needed to secure digital tickets in advance via the Padres’ official website.
Randy Jones’s Legacy
Randy Jones, who pitched for the Padres from 1973 to 1980, made history as the first player in franchise to win the National League Cy Young Award in 1976. That extraordinary season, he led the majors with 22 wins while achieving an impressive 2.74 ERA. Renowned for his sinkerball and remarkable control, Jones earned the nickname “Junkman.” He was a two-time All-Star, was inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame in 1999, and passed away in November at the age of 75.
Community Impact
Beyond his impressive on-field accomplishments, Jones dedicated himself to community service. He actively served as a Padres ambassador, participated in various charity events, and supported military families through the Randy Jones Foundation. His approachable nature and deep passion for baseball made him a beloved figure both on and off the field in San Diego.
Upcoming Season Tribute
In addition to the memorial patch, the Padres are committed to honoring Jones’s memory throughout the 2026 season. Further details regarding additional tributes and events will be forthcoming, allowing fans and community members to continue to celebrate his legacy.
Background
Randy Jones’s undeniable impact on both the Padres and the San Diego community remains significant. His unwavering dedication to the team and its fans reflects a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations. The celebration of life at Petco Park served as an appropriate tribute to a man who was not only a fierce competitor on the mound but also a cherished member of the local community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the purpose of the event held at Petco Park on January 24, 2026?
The event was a celebration of life for former San Diego Padres pitcher Randy Jones, honoring his contributions to the team and the community.
Who attended the celebration of life for Randy Jones?
Family members, former teammates, team executives, and fans attended the ceremony to pay their respects to Jones.
What tribute did the San Diego Padres announce for the 2026 season?
The Padres announced they will wear a No. 35 memorial patch throughout the 2026 season to honor Randy Jones’s legacy.
What were Randy Jones’s notable achievements during his baseball career?
Jones was the first player in Padres history to win the National League Cy Young Award in 1976, leading the majors with 22 wins and a 2.74 ERA. He was also a two-time All-Star and was inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame in 1999.
How did Randy Jones contribute to the San Diego community?
Beyond his baseball career, Jones was actively involved in community service, serving as a Padres ambassador, participating in charity events, and supporting military families through the Randy Jones Foundation.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Date and Location | January 24, 2026, at Petco Park in San Diego, CA |
| Attendees | Family members, former teammates, team executives, and fans |
| Tribute Announcement | Padres to wear No. 35 memorial patch throughout the 2026 season |
| Randy Jones’s Achievements | 1976 Cy Young Award winner, two-time All-Star, Padres Hall of Fame inductee |
| Community Involvement | Padres ambassador, charity events, support for military families through the Randy Jones Foundation |
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San Diego Padres to Honor Randy Jones with Celebration at Petco Park
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
