Tommy John bows out of public life, crediting the elbow surgery that saved countless arms
Tommy John, 83, the ex-Yankees pitcher whose 1974 elbow injury led Dr. Frank Jobe to pioneer the elbow replacement surgery that now bears his name, says goodbye to public life amid health issues including bladder cancer. In a note released through the Yankees rather than attending Old-Timers’ Day, John thanks the organization and fans, reflecting on a 26-year career and the operation that saved his arm and extended his pitching years. He notes that many modern stars—Verlander, Ohtani, Skubal and Sale—have since undergone the procedure, which has become baseball shorthand for Tommy John.