Randy Jones PC

 

Bummed this morning to hear Randy Jones passed away. His glory days were before my time, but growing up in San Diego, I'd heard his name often brought up as a Padres legend of yore. I discovered after first tracking down one of his cards, sure enough, San Diego actually had a two-time 20-game winner at one point! I saw him hanging out at a spring training game in the early 90s and he seemed like a friendly dude. I didn't interact with him then, but years later had a nice TTM success. I figured I'd pay my humble tribute to the man by checking out my Randy Jones PC in a post.

I've got 3 San Diego rookies, plus one Washington variation. Honestly I'm not sure how I acquired so many. And this is just the PC, not even pulling the pair from my '74 Topps set.

Top pic of the post shows his '75 Topps along with a similar trio of his 2004 All-Time Fan Favorites redo. Then continuing into the late 70s... 

Turns out I'm missing his '83 Topps sunset card in the PC, though I've got it in the complete set. Plenty of oddballs and other OPC I'm missing too.

But hey, above is a complete run of his Fleer and Donruss cards, as he was left out of '82 and '83 Donruss.

Some post-career releases. 

Topps 2016 Archives included Randy as an SP and autograph subject. Randy was generous with his signature over the years, so no collector should have to stoop to a butchered cut like that slabbed red thing, but hey, gives some unique flavor to the PC.

Finally, here's that TTM request I alluded to. One of my favorite customs to get back with fresh ink. As I say, Randy was happy to sign for fans, but not many Pirates autos of his out there. He had tried to make the club in spring training '83, but got cut prior to opening day. I found a couple Topps Vault photos, threw together a custom, and was fortunate enough to have him sign and return it for me. Thanks again, Randy. Rest in peace.