Randy Jones: From Glacier Pilots Ace to Cy Young Winner

Before becoming known as the original “Mr. Padre,” Randy Jones established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in National Baseball Congress history with the Anchorage Glacier Pilots.

Jones starred for the Glacier Pilots in 1970 and 1971, compiling a remarkable 6-0 record with a 1.58 ERA across seven tournament appearances. His 40 strikeouts in 51.1 innings showcased the control and precision that would define his professional career. During those two summers, Jones went 24-4 overall with the Pilots.

In 1971, Jones threw a complete-game six-hitter in the NBC championship game. His opponent that day? Future Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, who took the loss. Jones earned National Baseball Congress All-American honors both seasons and was named the NBC’s 1976 Graduate of the Year.

The left-hander also threw a no-hitter against the Humboldt Crabs before the 1971 tournament, cementing his legacy as one of Alaska’s greatest summer baseball pitchers.

That dominance carried into the major leagues. Jones became the San Diego Padres’ first 20-game winner in 1975, going 20-12 with a league-leading 2.24 ERA. He finished second in NL Cy Young voting to Tom Seaver, then claimed the award a year later with a 22-14 record and 2.74 ERA.

His 1976 season statistics look like they must be a typo, given today’s standards: Jones led the National League with 40 starts, 315.1 innings pitched, and 25 complete games. To put that in perspective, Padres pitchers have combined for just 25 complete games over the past 16 seasons.

“Randy was the original Mr. Padre before Tony Gwynn,” Hall of Fame shortstop Alan Trammell recalled to the San Diego Union-Tribune, remembering how Jones dominated during those magical 1975-76 seasons. “He worked fast, threw strikes, and you know what? That still works today.”

The left-hander’s success stemmed from the same qualities he displayed in Anchorage: impeccable control, a devastating sinker, and an unflappable demeanor on the mound. Known as the “Junkman” for his ability to get hitters out without overpowering velocity, Jones was described by former Padres teammate Merv Rettenmund to MLB.com as the best pitcher he’d ever seen on his game — high praise from someone who also played alongside Hall of Famers Jim Palmer and Nolan Ryan.

Manager Paul Deese recognized that talent early, as Jones helped the Glacier Pilots capture the 1971 NBC championship in Wichita.

Jones passed away on November 18, 2025, at the age of 75.