The late Randy Jones took the mound for the Padres in 1978 and threw the first pitch at the 2016 All-Star game at Petco Park. Photos: Ron Vesely/Getty Images (Left), Andy Hayt/Getty Images
Padres players will wear a No. 35 memorial patch on their jerseys this season to honor legendary pitcher Randy Jones, who died in November.
"To the Faithful, Randy Jones was a workhorse who helped put the Padres on the map, the team's first true superstar and a Cy Young Award winner, " the team posted with a video tribute on X.
Jones, a homegrown talent known for his sinker, played for the Padres from 1973 to 1980 and was one of the best pitchers in the MLB.
The Padres retired his No. 35 jersey in 1997, and it's still on display at Petco Park's Home Plate Gate.
He continued to build his legacy in San Diego, serving as a club ambassador, coaching rising Padres star Joe Musgrove and working on broadcasts and at a food vendor at the Padres' stadiums, per the Union-Tribune.
The community honored that legacy with a celebration of life at Petco Park in January, and his presence will continue to be felt at Padres games this season.
