Randy Jones (baseball)

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Randall Leo Jones (born January 12, 1950 in Fullerton, California), nicknamed "Junkman," is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was known for his sinker and the large number of ground-ball outs he induced. He became the first home-grown star for the San Diego Padres after being selected by the club, which began play in 1969, in the 1972 entry draft. By June of the following year, Jones was playing for the major league team.

The transition was not easy however. In 1974 Jones posted a record of 8-22 with a 4.45 ERA. He was able to turn it around in 1975 when he won 20 games and led the National League with a 2.24 ERA earning The Sporting News NL Comeback Player of the Year honors. His best season was in 1976 when he went 22-14 with a 2.74 ERA winning the National League Cy Young Award and being named The Sporting News NL Pitcher of the Year. Randy was selected as the left-handed pitcher on The Sporting News NL All-Star Teams after the 1975 and 1976 seasons.

Jones established the Major League season record for most chances accepted by a pitcher without an error (112 in 1976), tied 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 the most double plays with 12 in 1976.

Randy owns the distinction of recording a save for the NL in the 1975 All Star game and being the starting and winning pitcher the next year. Randy entered the 1976 All-Star Game with a record of 16-3, an All Star break win total that no one has equaled since. During his last start of the 1976 season, Randy injured a nerve in his pitching arm that required exploratory surgery, and he was never quite able to regain his Cy Young form.

Jones pitched effectively for San Diego through the 1980 season. On December 15, 1980, he was traded to the New York Mets. After the 1982 season, Jones signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was released by the Pirates before the 1983 season started, thus ending his playing career.

His career statistics include a 100-123 record and an ERA of 3.42. He was named an All-Star in 1975 and 1976. After his retirement, Jones' uniform #35 was retired by the Padres.

[edit] Post MLB Coaching

After retiring from Major League Baseball, Jones has coached young pitchers. His most prominent pupil was Barry Zito^[1], a current Major League pitcher with the San Francisco Giants and the 2002 Cy Young Award winner while with the Oakland Athletics.

[edit] See also

• List of Major League Baseball ERA champions
• List of Major League Baseball wins champions

[edit] External links

• Randy Jones at:
  • Baseball Library
  • Baseball Reference