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Tommy John bids farewell to fans battling cancer, credits surgeon for saving career
🇰🇷 South Korea /Health & Science

Tommy John bids farewell to fans battling cancer, credits surgeon for saving career

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Tommy John, an 83-year-old former MLB pitcher battling bladder cancer, has sent a farewell letter to fans through the New York Yankees.
  • John, whose name is synonymous with the elbow ligament reconstruction surgery he popularized, expressed gratitude to Dr. Frank Jobe for saving his career.
  • The surgery, known as Tommy John surgery, has since become a vital procedure for baseball players, with an estimated 2,700 MLB players having undergone it.

Tommy John, the 83-year-old former Major League Baseball pitcher battling bladder cancer, has shared a farewell message with fans via the New York Yankees. In a letter released by the team, John expressed his deep gratitude to Dr. Frank Jobe, the surgeon who performed the groundbreaking elbow ligament reconstruction that saved his pitching career. This revolutionary procedure, now widely known as "Tommy John surgery," has become indispensable for countless baseball players seeking to extend their careers.

I want to thank Dr. Frank Jobe (1925-2014) for saving my arm so I could continue to throw the ball.

— Tommy JohnIn a farewell letter to fans released by the New York Yankees, Tommy John expressed gratitude to the surgeon who performed the operation that saved his career.

John's journey with the surgery began in 1974 when he suffered a torn elbow ligament while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite Dr. Jobe's initial assessment of a mere 1% chance of success, John underwent the innovative surgery, which involved transplanting a tendon from his wrist. His successful rehabilitation allowed him to return to the mound in 1976 and pitch for an additional 14 years, accumulating a remarkable career record of 288 wins and 334 losses over 26 seasons.

This surgery has saved the careers of many pitchers since, including many of the best pitchers in baseball today.

— Tommy JohnJohn reflected on the impact of the procedure that now bears his name.

MLB.com has hailed Tommy John surgery as "baseball's most important medical advancement," noting that approximately 2,700 players have undergone the procedure. Prominent figures like Shohei Ohtani, Justin Verlander, and Hyun Jin Ryu are among those who have successfully returned to play after the surgery. Even current pitchers such as Gerrit Cole and Chris Sale have benefited from this life-altering operation.

Thank you to the club for giving me the opportunity to say goodbye to all of you.

— Tommy JohnJohn thanked the Yankees for facilitating his farewell message to fans.

In his heartfelt letter, John acknowledged the surgery's profound impact, stating, "This surgery has saved the careers of many pitchers since, including many of the best pitchers in baseball today." He also extended his thanks to his friends and fans for their unwavering support throughout his 26-year career, vowing never to forget them. John concluded his message by recalling his father's words: "Whether you succeed in the major leagues or not, you are always Tommy John from Terre Haute, Indiana." He ended with a wish for God's blessings.

I will never forget you.

— Tommy JohnJohn conveyed his appreciation to his supporters throughout his career.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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