Tommy John, who struck a scary elbow injury in 1974 that later transformed baseball forever, passed away at 83.
The surgery helped him continue his MLB career for another 14 seasons that once cast doubt on his career.
John, then 31, underwent an ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction procedure on his left elbow in 1974.
The pioneering surgery was performed by Dr Franl Jobe, who was late named after John and has since become a standard medical procedure.
The surgery has a recovery time of up to 18 months and has been performed on thousands of players.
Former Major League pitcher John, a four-time All-Star died at his home in Bradenton, Florida, on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The New York Yankees released a statement, though the details regarding the cause remain unknown.
“The New York Yankees mourn the passing of Tommy John, who was a bedrock of our rotation during his time in pinstripes and a longtime favourite of Yankees fans,” the statement reads.
John once detailed the devastating moment when he suffered career-risking elbow surgery in 1974.
“It felt as if I had left my arm someplace else. It was as if my body continued to go forward and my left arm had just flown out to right field, independent of the rest of me,” said John.
John had four children with his first wife, Sally Simmons: Tamara Tommy III, Travis and Taylor, who passed away in 2010 due to drug overdose. The couple separated in 2013.
Along with his four children, John is survived by his second wife, Cheryl.
