Former Yankees pitcher Tommy John, synonymous with elbow surgery, releases farewell post
Newsday • • sports
Key Points:
- Tommy John, the legendary pitcher known for the revolutionary elbow surgery bearing his name, is now 83 and reportedly in hospice care due to cancer recurrence.
- The New York Yankees shared a heartfelt farewell letter from John, expressing gratitude to the Yankees organization, the Steinbrenner family, fans, and Dr. Jobe, who performed the surgery that extended his career.
- John credited the surgery, first performed on him in 1974, with saving his pitching career and benefiting countless other pitchers in Major League Baseball.
- Reflecting on his roots, John recalled his father's advice to remain humble regardless of his success, emphasizing his lasting connection to his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana.
- Before the surgery, John had 124 wins over 12 seasons; after the procedure, he won an additional 164 games across 14 seasons, highlighting the surgery's impact on his longevity in the sport.
