Tommy John, the longtime Major League pitcher who won 288 games and whose name became synonymous with a revolutionary elbow surgery that has saved hundreds of careers, died Sunday at the age of 83.
John’s 26-year career included stints with six teams, but his lasting legacy extends far beyond his win total. In 1974, he became the first player to undergo ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery, a procedure performed by Dr. Frank Jobe that was initially considered experimental. John returned to pitch 14 more seasons.
Players across the sport reacted to the news Sunday.
“He revolutionized the game of baseball. I just think that it went from a death sentence to something now that has become a potentially really big light in somebody’s career.”
— Nationals pitcher Jake Irvin, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2020
“I think the first thing that comes to mind is just how much of a trailblazer he was, and what great perseverance he had, venturing into the unknown with the surgery, and really writing the book, writing the script for how to push through it and overcome it,” said Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, who underwent the same procedure in March 2025.
The surgery now bears John’s name and has become one of the most common procedures in professional baseball. Players who have undergone the operation credited John with extending their careers and changing the sport’s trajectory.
“It’s certainly sad, but his name will live forever in baseball,” said Padres pitcher Casey Mize, who had the surgery in June 2022. “He changed a lot of careers because of what he did, especially after coming back from the surgery.”
Rockies pitcher Gabriel Hughes, who underwent the procedure in July 2023, called John a pioneer.
“Before him, that would have been a career-ender, so it gave me a second chance, it let me get back,” Hughes said. “That’s something you can’t really put a price on, having another chance to come back.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted John’s on-field excellence should not be overshadowed by the surgical legacy.
“Obviously, a tremendous career. I hope people remember how outstanding his career was, and not just being named for the injury that we know very well now,” Boone said. “He came over in ’82 to the Angels when my dad was there, and was part of that American League West championship team.”
John was selected to four All-Star teams during his career and finished with a 288-231 record and a 3.34 ERA across 4,710 1/3 innings. He pitched for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, California Angels and Oakland Athletics.
The surgery that carries his name has been performed on thousands of athletes since 1974. Advancements in the procedure have shortened recovery times and improved success rates, but the foundational concept remains rooted in John’s willingness to attempt the unproven operation more than five decades ago.
Source: MLB.com