SAN DIEGO - Legendary San Diego Padres pitcher Randy Jones is battling throat cancer, the team's website announced Thursday.
Jones was reportedly diagnosed in November 2016 and has been undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments since December at Sharp's Hospital.
"I feel positive," Jones said told the Padre's Bill Center. "They caught it early. It's all in the throat and not in the lymph nodes. I'm beating this thing."
Jones said he used chewing tobacco as a player and has smoked cigars throughout his adult life.
Since Jones' playing days he has remained heavily involved with the team. He is a spokesperson for the team and a local radio and television personality.
The Friars drafted Jones in 1972, during the 5th round of the amateur draft.
Jones pitched for the Padres from 1973-1980. He recorded a 3.42 ERA and 735 strikeouts through his career. He was the first Padre to win the National League Cy Young Award and the first Padre to start an All-Star Game.
He was a National League all-star in 1975 and 1976, when he led the NL in ERA in 1975 and led in wins in 1976.
Jones' number was retired by the team in 1997 and two years later, he was a member of the Padre's first Hall of Fame class.
