Randy Jones led the majors with 174 innings after completing a 6-3 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on this date — July 8 — in 1976. The effort earned Jones his 16th victory, still the first-half NL record in the live-ball era, and almost assured him the start in the following week’s All-Star Game.
Everyone wanted that honor for Jones, the Padres’ first bona fide star.
His catcher, Fred Kendall agreed, even if he knew what was really good for Jones.
“As much as the All-Star Game means to him,” Kendall told the San Diego Union, “I wish he could take the next week off.