Tommy John, the former pitcher for the New York Yankees who was the first to undergo what is now famously known as ‘Tommy John surgery,’ shared a heartfelt message with fans during the Yankees Old-Timers’ Day celebration. Now 83, John made a significant announcement about his health challenges.
In a statement, John expressed gratitude to the Yankees organization and the Steinbrenner family for allowing him the chance to say farewell. ‘I want to thank the Yankees organization & the Steinbrenner family for giving me this opportunity to say goodbye to everyone, along with all the friends & fans who followed me throughout my 26-year career,’ he shared.
John also acknowledged Dr. Frank Jobe, the surgeon who performed the landmark surgery on his elbow, which went on to enhance the careers of many other athletes. ‘Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my arm & made it possible for me to continue pitching. That surgery has since gone on to save the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today,’ John noted.
His career, before and after the surgery, included more than 160 wins. Although he missed the entire 1975 season, John returned to great success, becoming a three-time All-Star post-surgery. Overall, he was a four-time All-Star throughout his career.
His journey in Major League Baseball spanned several teams. Apart from the Yankees, he played for the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels, Cleveland Indians, and Oakland Athletics. Despite retiring with impressive stats, including a 3.34 ERA and 2,245 strikeouts, John’s message resonated on a personal level.
The message from his father had a lasting impact on John. ‘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,’ he recalled.
Fans will remember John for his contributions to baseball both on the field and through the surgery that bears his name. The sentiment of gratitude extends beyond his achievements. ‘Thank you to all the fans who supported me & my teammates for 26 years. I will never forget you,’ he concluded, appreciating the longstanding support from his followers.