SAN DIEGO -- The number 35 has been retired by the Padres for nearly three decades to honor the baseball career of Randy Jones, the franchise’s first homegrown star and a lasting icon.
That same number will be back on Padres uniforms this year to honor his legacy and humanity.
During a celebration of life for Jones on Saturday morning at Petco Park, Padres CEO Erik Greupner announced the team will wear a No. 35 memorial patch throughout the 2026 season.
"Even though he wasn't that tall, Randy Jones was a giant on the mound," Greupner said, "in the San Diego community, in the history of our franchise and in the hearts and the lives of those of us who had the privilege of working with him. ...
"Petco Park is a less fun, less joyous, less spontaneous and less cantankerous place without R.J. around. We will deeply miss him. He had the unique ability to make anyone he was talking to feel special. He was genuine. He was real. He loved to talk baseball, hunting, fishing and his family."
Jones passed away in November at age 75. On Saturday, family members, including his wife of 55 years, Marie, and daughters Staci and Jami, were joined by Padres figures past and present to share memories and tell stories. His regular catcher, Fred Kendall, was one of many former teammates in attendance.
The event was public, fitting because Jones’ connection with fans in San Diego was matched only by Tony Gwynn’s.
It’s difficult to overstate Jones’ dominance as a pitcher in his prime: 42-26 from 1975-76 with a 2.50 ERA, 76 starts, 43 complete games and a 4.5% walk rate. The 6-foot left-hander was the National League’s All-Star starter in ’76 en route to earning the NL Cy Young Award. Jones baffled with his mastery of the strike zone and a slow sinker that seemingly scoffed at hitters while inducing soft contact.
Jones’ prime years coincided with the best of Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine. Those champion Reds of 1975-76 -- MLB leaders in runs scored each year -- batted .186 in eight matchups vs. Jones, averaging only two runs against him.
Injuries prevented Jones from maintaining that level of excellence, but his connection to San Diego, the Padres and their fans never waned. He was a favorite because of his success, yes, but also his style -- as a pitcher and as a 1970s man of the people, curly perm and all.
Jones was humble and relatable, traits he maintained for four decades after his playing career ended. He served as a Padres ambassador, was a face of the team’s community efforts, interacted with fans regularly at his barbecue and hot dog stands at Qualcomm Stadium and Petco Park. He was a regular for many years on pregame and postgame broadcasts.
The Randy Jones Foundation supported military families, providing scholarships, VIP experiences at Padres games and even deep-sea fishing trips.
“Randy’s greatest pride came after baseball -- giving back,” said Curt Gandy, chair of the foundation.
Padres broadcaster Jesse Agler got a crash course on all things Padres when he moved from Miami to San Diego in 2014 and launched the cable TV pregame show “Padres Social Hour” with Jones as one of the rotating co-hosts.
“It did not take long to realize who Randy Jones was,” Agler said. “And I don’t mean the retired number or the Cy Young Award or the All-Star appearances or the back of the baseball card stuff. I mean Randy Jones, the dude.
“We probably overdo it in talking about people being one of a kind. But, my goodness, did that apply to R.J. Within hours of meeting him, I was getting an education -- an education on ostrich skin cowboy boots, on birddogs and, most important, on just throwing strikes. I think he was literal about that, but metaphorical, as well. …
“He was a presence of positivity, a source of energy of the course of a long season. We realized very quickly how great of a teammate he was -- always up for whatever was needed. In a very short time, he would become a dear friend. Randy was there for the show, he was there for the Padres, he was there for this community, he was there for his family -- for all of us. And isn’t that about the best thing you can say of anyone?”