Table of Biography
Randy Jones is a former professional baseball left-handed pitcher from the United States. Moreover, Randy Jones pitched in Major League Baseball for the San Diego Padres and New York Mets.
Early Life
Randall Leo Jones best known as Randy Jones was born on the 12th of January, 1950, in Fullerton, California, in the United States of America. As of 2024, he is 74 years old and holds American nationality.
He believes in Christianity by religion and his nickname is “Junkman.” He is the son of Jim Jones (father) and his mother’s name is unknown at the moment. Professionally, his father was a plant superintendent for a large agricultural company. However, there is no information regarding his siblings.
Talking about his academic qualifications, he graduated from Brea-Olinda High School and attended Chapman University in Orange, California. During his high school senior year, he went 8-2 with a 0.91 ERA and 110 strikeouts.
He joined the Irvine League All-Star team and started the Orange County Prep All-Star game. During his first two varsity seasons at Chapman, he played for coach Paul Deese. His fastball was excellent during his freshman year.
That season, though, on a fastball to the batter, he tripped off the mound and tore some tendons. He survived on junk food after that. Chapman became first in the NCAA’s College Division in 1970. In his sophomore year, he won an outstanding game against USC.
Professional Career
San Diego Padres
Regarding his professional career, the San Diego Padres first selected him in the fifth round of the 1972 Major League Baseball draft. On June 16, 1973, he made his major league debut. He went 8-22 with a 4.45 ERA in 1974.
In 1975, he won 20 games and led the National League with a 2.24 ERA, earning him The Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year Award. In 1976, he went 22-14 with a 2.74 ERA, started the All-Star Game, won the National League Cy Young Award, and was voted The Sporting News NL Pitcher of the Year.
After the 1975 and 1976 seasons, he became The Sporting News NL All-Star Teams as a left-handed pitcher. His record at the All-Star break in July 1976 was 16-3, a win total that no one has matched since.
Caption: Randy Jones pitching in a baseball game (Source: FriarWire)
He set the Major League season record for most chances accepted by a pitcher without an error (112 in 1976), tied the ML pitchers’ records for highest season fielding percentage (1.000, 1976), and most assists in an inning (3, 9/28/75 – 3rd inning), and tied the NL pitchers’ season record for most double plays (12 in 1976).
Moreover, he holds the distinction of pitching a save for the National League in the 1975 All-Star Game and then being the starting and winning pitcher the following year.
He injured a nerve in his pitching arm during his final start of the 1976 season, necessitating exploratory surgery, and he was never able to regain his Cy Young form. Moreover, he pitched well enough for San Diego during the 1980 season.
Played for other teams
Jones was traded to the New York Mets on December 15, 1980, for José Moreno and John Pacella. The Mets released him after two years and signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
He was released by the Pirates before the start of the 1983 season, therefore ending his playing career. His career won-loss record was 100-123 (.448); he is the only starting pitcher to win the Cy Young Award to finish with a losing record.
In 1975 and 1976, he was chosen as an All-Star. Jones’ jersey No. 35 was retired by the Padres on May 9, 1997, following his retirement.
Coaching and Catering
Jones mentored young pitchers after leaving Major League Baseball. His most notable student was Barry Zito who is a former Major League pitcher who won the Cy Young Award with the Oakland Athletics in 2002. He also owns Randy Jones All American Grill, Randy Jones Big Stone Lodge (which is now permanently closed), and Randy Jones Buckboard Catering.
His name is on a barbecue sauce sold at the Big Stone Lodge. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he ran the Randy Jones carwash in Poway. Randy contributes to the before and postgame shows on the San Diego Padres’ local radio station.
In 1999, he was inducted into the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame as a part of the inaugural class. He can be heard live on wsRadio.com every Tuesday from 1:00-2:00 (PST). “Randy Jones on Baseball” covers all aspects of baseball, from Hall of Fame/Legendary guests to the newest news and an inside look at the Major League Season.
Awards
During his playing career, he has earned several awards and honors. 2× All-Star (1975, 1976), NL Cy Young Award (1976), MLB wins leader (1976), NL ERA leader (1975), and San Diego Padres Hall of Fame are some of his career highlights and awards.
Caption: Randy Jones receiving an award (Source: FriarWire)
Randy Jones – Net Worth 2024
Being a former baseball player, and coach; he has collected a good sum of wealth. According to an online website, analysts estimate his net worth to be around $3 million, but he has not disclosed his salary and income.
Relationship Status
On the 10th of October 1970, Jones married his high-school sweetheart, Marie Stassi. With the marriage, the couple has two kids whose names are Staci and Jami.
Currently, this former baseball player avoids involvement in any controversy or rumors and chooses to keep a safe distance from matters that could potentially harm his professional career.
Body Measurements
Jones stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and his weight is unknown. Likewise, he has brown hair with blue eyes color and there is no other information regarding his other body stats.
Caption: Randy Jones bubble head toy (Source: Digital Collection – Baseball Hall of Fame)
Social Media
On his Twitter page, there are more than 6.6k followers. Likewise, there are more than 1.4k followers on Facebook and she is not active on Instagram.