DistantNews
Support us
🇺🇸 United States /Health & Science

MLB Legend Tommy John, Pioneer of Groundbreaking Surgery, Dies at 83

From CBS News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Tommy John, a four-time MLB All-Star pitcher known for the elbow surgery named after him, has died at age 83.
  • John passed away at his Florida home on Saturday, surrounded by family.
  • His career included 288 wins and a groundbreaking elbow reconstruction surgery in 1974 that revitalized his career and has since saved countless other pitchers' arms.

Thomas "Tommy" John, a celebrated four-time Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher who recorded 288 career wins over a remarkable 26-year span, has died. His agent confirmed his passing to CBS News, stating that John was 83 years old.

John died peacefully at his home in Florida on Saturday, with his wife, Cheryl, and other family members by his side, according to his agent, Mike Maguire. His legacy in baseball is profoundly marked by a career-saving elbow reconstruction surgery he underwent in 1974 after tearing his ulnar collateral ligament. This experimental procedure, performed by Dr. Frank Jobe, is now famously known as "Tommy John surgery."

Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my arm & made it possible for me to continue pitching. That surgery has since gone on to save the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today.

— Tommy JohnFrom a farewell letter to fans, reflecting on the impact of his career-saving surgery.

Remarkably, after the surgery, John continued to pitch, achieving 164 more wins. He concluded his career with over 2,200 strikeouts and a 3.34 earned run average before retiring in 1989. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, John's talent was evident early on. He signed with the Cleveland Indians at 18 and, after three minor league seasons, debuted in the majors in 1963. He went on to play for several prominent teams, including the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels, Oakland Athletics, and New York Yankees.

John was recognized for his consistent excellence, earning All-Star selections in 1968, 1978, 1979, and 1989. Just days before his death, he penned an emotional farewell letter to his fans, shared by the Yankees during their Old-Timers' Day. In the letter, he expressed gratitude to Dr. Jobe for saving his arm and enabling him to continue his career, acknowledging the surgery's impact on countless other pitchers. He also thanked his fans and teammates for their unwavering support throughout his 26-year journey in baseball.

Thank you to all the fans who supported me and my teammates for 26 years. I will never forget you.

— Tommy JohnExpressing gratitude to his supporters in his farewell letter.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog