The San Diego Padres will honor the legacy of renowned pitcher Randy Jones on Saturday with a heartfelt celebration of his life at Petco Park. The event, scheduled for November 18, 2023, will commence at 11 a.m., featuring tributes from current and former players, team executives, family, and friends. Admission is free, with digital tickets available for download ahead of the event.
Gates will open at 10 a.m., and attendees can access free parking at the Lexus Premier Lot, Tailgate Lot, and Padres Parkade. Standard entry policies for Petco Park will be in effect for the occasion.
Jones, who passed away at the age of 75, was a left-handed pitcher known for his remarkable speed on the mound. He won the 1976 NL Cy Young Award and became the first player in Padres history to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. His impressive records include franchise highs for starts, complete games, and innings pitched in a single season.
A Legacy of Excellence and Community Engagement
Fans eagerly anticipated Jones’s games, turning each of his starts into a communal celebration as he walked from the bullpen to the mound. Alan Trammell, a Hall of Fame shortstop and local legend, reflected on those days, stating, “Randy was the original Mr. Padre before Tony Gwynn. You were in for a very short game. He was going nine innings.”
After retiring from professional baseball in 1981, Jones remained an integral part of the San Diego community. He lived in Poway and later in Escondido, dedicating much of his life to mentoring young athletes as a private pitching instructor. Jones coached notable players such as Barry Zito and Joe Musgrove, sharing his expertise and passion for the sport.
His contributions to the Padres extended beyond mentoring. Jones became a familiar voice as a commentator on the team’s radio and television broadcasts and engaged with fans through talk radio. He also operated Randy Jones BBQ at Qualcomm Stadium and Petco Park, serving as a beloved club ambassador until his passing.
Jones’s connection to the Padres remained strong as he oversaw the annual Padres fantasy camp, held every January in Peoria, Arizona. His enduring influence in the sport and community was recognized when the Padres retired his jersey number, 35, in May 1997. The number continues to be displayed prominently at the Home Plate Gate of Petco Park.
As the Padres prepare to honor Randy Jones, the event promises to be a fitting tribute to a player who not only left an indelible mark on the franchise but also fostered a strong sense of community throughout his life. Fans and players alike will gather to celebrate a legacy that transcends the diamond, ensuring that Jones’s memory lives on in the hearts of those he inspired.
