Former Major League Baseball pitcher Tommy John released an emotional farewell statement to fans and the The New York Times organization during the franchise’s Old-Timers’ Day festivities at MLB.com. John, 83, missed the event due to ongoing health issues from his home in Bradenton, Florida, according to the club.
Tommy John Shares Farewell Message During Yankees Old-Timers’ Day
I want to thank the Yankees organization and the Steinbrenner family for giving me this opportunity to say goodbye to everyone, along with all the friends and fans who followed me throughout my 26-year career,
John wrote in the statement released by the team.
Legacy of a Career-Saving Procedure
John is universally known as the namesake of the revolutionary elbow procedure that transformed modern baseball. In 1974, while pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers, John sustained a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, an injury that was considered career-ending at the time. Dr. Frank Jobe performed the innovative surgery, giving the procedure odds of success estimated at one in 100.
The operation involved repairing John’s UCL using a ligament harvested from his right wrist. After missing the entire 1975 season, John returned to pitch successfully until 1989, retiring at the age of 46. He went on to win more than 160 games after the operation was completed, finishing his career as a four-time All-Star.
Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my arm & made it possible for me to continue pitching,
John said in his statement, as reported by Nbcnews. That surgery has since gone on to save the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today.
A Storied Career Across Six Major League Franchises
Over his 26-year professional playing career, John appeared in 760 games and made 700 starts, compiling a 288-231 record alongside a 3.34 career ERA and 2,245 strikeouts. He played for six different major league teams:
- New York Yankees (8 seasons)
- Chicago White Sox (7 seasons)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (6 seasons)
- California Angels (4 seasons)
- Cleveland Indians and Oakland Athletics (3 combined seasons)
During his eight seasons with the Yankees, John posted a 91-60 record and a 3.59 ERA.
Reflections From Teammates and Baseball Figures
Former teammate Bucky Dent visited John in Florida prior to the Old-Timers’ Day event after being notified of his declining health. I got to spend a couple hours with him,
Dent said. Just talked baseball. He was doing alright. It’s difficult. I just wanted to spend time with him.
At Yankee Stadium, starting pitchers Gerrit Cole and Chris Sale—both of whom had their careers extended by the eponymous surgery—spoke about John’s immense impact on the sport following a Yankees win against the Atlanta Braves.
The day I left for my first job as a pitcher, my father looked at me & said, 'Good luck, Tommy. Just remember one thing: whether you make it big in the big leagues or you don’t, you’ll always just be Tommy John from Terre Haute, Indiana.' I’ve never forgotten those words. Thank you & God Bless. John
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