Tommy John, a former Major League Baseball pitcher known for the transformative surgery named after him, has died at 83. His agent, Mike Maguire, confirmed his passing.
Tommy John’s Legacy
John was instrumental in changing baseball’s medical landscape. His surgery, developed by Dr. Frank Jobe in 1974, allowed him and many others to extend their playing careers. He successfully returned to the field, winning over 160 games post-surgery. Dr. Jobe’s procedure is now commonly referred to as ‘Tommy John surgery’ and continues to aid numerous players today.
In his career spanning 26 years, John was a four-time All-Star. He played for teams including the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels, Cleveland Indians, and Oakland Athletics. He maintained a career ERA of 3.34 and totaled 2,245 strikeouts.
A Farewell Message
John’s passing follows a farewell statement shared on the New York Yankees’ Old-Timers’ Day. He expressed gratitude towards the Yankees organization and the Steinbrenner family for their support, and acknowledged long-time fans and teammates.
“Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my arm and allowed my career to continue. The surgery has saved countless careers, including some of today’s best,” read John’s message.
Personal Reflections
In reflecting on his life, John noted advice from his father as he embarked on his baseball journey. His father told him to remember: “Whether you make it big in the big leagues or not, you’ll always just be Tommy John from Terre Haute, Indiana.” This message remained a touchstone throughout his life.
Tommy John is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and his sister-in-laws, Judith Florentino and Karen Jordan. A private celebration of life will take place in Florida.
Leave a Reply