Jones’ on-field achievements and off-field contributions will be remembered in San Diego
The Padres have announced they will wear patches displaying No. 35 during the 2026 season in honor of late franchise legend Randy Jones. The tribute allows Jones’ legacy to be remembered in San Diego after he passed away from complications related to throat cancer in November.
The No. 35 patch will replace the “PS” patch worn in 2024 and 2025 honoring former owner Pete Seidler. Adding another commemorative patch continues a Padres tradition of recognizing individuals who helped shape the organization on and off the field. That description fits Jones perfectly. He spent eight seasons with the Padres from 1973 to 1980, a period when attendance was low and the on-field product was mediocre at-best. Still, Jones showed up ready to represent the city with pride every time he took the mound. During his career-best 1976 season, the Padres averaged 15,769 fans in games Jones did not start. When he pitched, attendance jumped to an average of 27,400. Over his Padres tenure, Jones produced three seasons with a sub-3.00 ERA, recorded two 20-win campaigns and won the 1976 Cy Young Award - the first in franchise history. His list of accomplishments includes:As impactful as Jones was on the field, his off-field legacy will be even more lasting. In 2015, he founded the Randy Jones Foundation, which focused on providing sports and recreational opportunities for children from military families - a meaningful contribution in a city with a large veteran and active-duty population. Jones also used his platform to raise awareness after being diagnosed with cancer. He was open about his condition, acknowledged that prolonged tobacco use contributed to his illness, and consistently emphasized the risks of tobacco use and the importance of early detection. Through public appearances, he worked to educate others about cancer prevention and treatment. In 2017, Jones visited Padres spring training to work with players despite having made the commitment before his diagnosis. Though he had lost nearly 40 pounds and was dealing with significant side effects, he believed in honoring his word and showing up for the organization. No matter how the 2026 season goes in San Diego, one thing is for certain: they will be representing one of the greatest men to ever wear a Padres uniform.Greg Spicer resides in San Diego, California, after growing up in Chicago where baseball was a constant presence throughout his life. He attends San Diego State University, gaining experience working for MLB teams in both Chicago and San Diego through stadium and game-day operations, while also covering athletics at SDSU. A White Sox fan who has since embraced Padres fandom, Greg has covered football, collegiate sports, MLB and the NBA for multiple outlets, including Fox 5/KUSI, before starting at On SI.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Miles Sadler’s Naismith Honor Signals How Big West Virginia’s Ceiling Could BeThe future is bright in Morgantown!
Read more »
Padres roster review: Jason AdamSizing up the Padres’ 40-man roster heading into the 2026 season: A first-time All-Star in 2025, Jason Adam was in the midst of his best season yet when a ruptured quad tendon ended his season in S…
Read more »
Howard Lutnick calls getting booed by Al Gore the 'greatest honor' of Davos tripHoward Lutnick calls boos from Al Gore 'greatest honor' of Davos trip
Read more »
Padres to honor Randy Jones on Saturday with celebration of life at Petco ParkRandy Jones, a left-handed starting pitcher and the club’s first superstar, died Nov. 18 at age 75
Read more »
Padres to host celebration of life of Cy Young winner Randy JonesCity News Service is one of the largest regional news services in the country, serving the Southern California region.
Read more »
Padres great Randy Jones celebrated for his ‘spirit, ‘legacy’ and ability to make everyone to ‘feel special’Randy Jones was well known for working rapidly on the mound for the Padres, most notably against the Philadelphia Phillies and Jim Kaat in a 1977 game that took just 89 minutes to complete. So Jone…
Read more »