Randy Jones took the mound before Monday’s season opener much like he did four decades ago — to a standing ovation.
Jones was given the honor off throwing out the first pitch before the Dodgers-Padres game at Petco Park in recognition of the 40th anniversary of his Cy Young Award-winning season with the Padres. He started — and won — the All-Star Game in Philadelphia that same season.
“I appreciated them 40 years ago and what they meant to me from that first game of the season in 1976,” said Jones, whose 16-3 record at the All-Star break has not been matched since.