The Procedure That Changed Baseball
At 83, Tommy John announced that he will no longer appear in public, ending a career that spanned from 1963 to 1989 and delivered 288 victories.
The operation that now bears his name was first performed by Dr. Frank Jobe in 1974, when he transplanted a tendon from John’s wrist to repair a damaged elbow.
That surgery not only extended John’s own pitching days by fourteen years, it created a template that has saved the careers of countless arms, from Justin Verlander to Shohei Ohtani.
Over 26 seasons John wore the uniforms of the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, compiling a place among the all‑time greats and ranking 26th on baseball’s win list.
Beyond the statistics, John has spoken openly about the health battles that persisted after retirement, including a bout with bladder cancer, and he expressed heartfelt thanks to fans, teammates and the medical team that kept him in the game.
Now settled in Bradenton, Florida, the retired star says he remains grateful for the support that sustained him, and he hopes his story continues to inspire both players and doctors alike.