10
Loading video...
By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Dr. Frank Jobe pioneered the elbow surgery that is common, if not inevitable, for many of today's most famous pitchers. The procedure, which involves replacing the ulnar collateral ligament with another from inside the patient's body, is named for the pitcher who became its first recipient in 1974.
Tommy John died Sunday. He was 83.
Read More on News
“The New York Yankees mourn the passing of Tommy John, who was a bedrock of our rotation during his time in pinstripes and a longtime favorite of Yankees fans," the team said in a statement. "While his incredible longevity and post-surgery achievements changed the fortunes and trajectory of countless athletes around the world, it also overshadowed his excellence as a pitcher, which included consecutive 20‑win seasons with the Yankees.
"We pause to remember the totality of his legacy — his competitiveness and skill, his penchant for conversation, his kind and gracious nature, and his stature as an athletic and medical pioneer. The Yankees extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends, including wife, Cheryl, daughter, Tamara, and sons Tommy III and Travis. We also keep his son Taylor in our hearts.”
...
John's ability to rehabilitate what was previously a career-ending injury is taken for granted by today's orthopedic surgeons and the talented athletes who expect a successful return to the field. If not for John's long and successful career post-surgery, that might not be the case.
More news: Yankees’ Team Doctor Sends Heartfelt Message to Tommy John
John pitched for another 14 seasons after he completed his rehabilitation. He did not throw his final pitch until he was 46 years old. He was designated for assignment in May 1989 so the New York Yankees could promote a rookie outfielder named Deion Sanders.
According to MLB.com, John had recently undergone treatment related to a recurrence of bladder cancer. On Aug. 8, the Yankees posted a letter from John to their social media accounts in which he said “goodbye to everyone, along with all the friends and fans who followed me throughout my 26-year career."
More news: Mets Announce Death of Slugging Outfielder
“Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my arm & made it possible for me to continue pitching,” John wrote in his letter. “That surgery has since gone on to save the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today.”
John pitched 760 major league games for the Cleveland Indians (1963-64), Chicago White Sox (1965-71), Los Angeles Dodgers (1972-78), Yankees (1979-82, 1986-89), California Angels (1982-85) and Oakland A’s (1985). He retired with a 288-231 record and 3.34 ERA (111 ERA+).
John's 26 seasons in MLB are one short of Nolan Ryan's all-time record.
"Your legacy is bigger than an operation," Yankees team physician Dr. Chris Ahmad wrote on Twitter/X. "It lives in every pitcher who got another chance, every family who watched an athlete return, and every injury we may someday prevent because of what your story taught us. You became a symbol of the second chance. Thank you, Tommy. God bless you."
For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines