Tommy John, the veteran left-handed pitcher whose name became synonymous with a groundbreaking surgical procedure, died Saturday at his home in Bradenton, Florida. He was 83 years old and had been receiving hospice care.
John's career spanned 26 Major League Baseball seasons, from 1963 to 1989, a remarkable tenure that included four All-Star selections and two runner-up finishes for the Cy Young Award. He amassed 288 wins, a total that places him second among pitchers not inducted into the Hall of Fame in the modern era.
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His most significant impact on the sport, beyond his on-field performance, came in 1974. While pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers, John tore his ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. Dodgers team physician Dr. Frank Jobe performed a then-experimental surgery to replace the ligament, a procedure that became known as "Tommy John surgery." Despite missing the entire 1975 season, John returned to pitch effectively for another decade.
During his time with the Dodgers from 1972 to 1978, John earned an All-Star nod and helped the team win three National League pennants. He also had notable stints with the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees, where he made two more All-Star teams and pitched in the World Series.
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News of his passing prompted tributes from across the baseball community. Former Mets star Keith Hernandez recalled John's formidable slider, noting his exceptional talent. "He was just a wonderful man… he should be in the Hall of Fame, I’m going to continue to promote him for that," Hernandez said.
The Dodgers organization released a statement mourning his loss. "Tommy was an exceptional pitcher throughout his career in Major League Baseball, and his courageous role in becoming the first to have surgery that would go on to bear his name can’t be overstated," said Stan Kasten, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers. "His impact both on and off the field has been felt by ballplayers of all ages and will be for generations to come."
Fans also shared memories of John, remembering him as a "nice man" and a "terrific SP" who anchored several notable teams.
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John is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and their children Tommy, Travis, and Tamara. A private service is planned in Florida.