Tommy John misses Old-Timers' Day for health reasons
MLB.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Tommy John expressed gratitude to the Yankees organization, the Steinbrenner family, fans, and Dr. Frank Jobe, whose pioneering elbow surgery extended his pitching career and has since helped countless players.
- The upcoming Yankees Old-Timers’ Day featured a symbolic matchup between pitchers Gerrit Cole and Chris Sale, both of whom had their careers saved by Tommy John surgery.
- John underwent the groundbreaking procedure in 1974 after a torn ulnar collateral ligament, an injury previously considered career-ending, and returned to pitch successfully for many years.
- Cole highlighted the significance of John’s surgery and rehabilitation, crediting it with allowing pitchers to extend their careers and expressing gratitude for John’s role in pioneering the technique.
- Tommy John concluded by reflecting on his roots and career, emphasizing humility and his enduring identity beyond baseball achievements.
