The baseball world is in mourning amidst the news that 26-year veteran starting pitcher Tommy John passed away on Saturday. The talented lefty was 83 years old.
John passed away peacefully at his home in Bradenton, Florida while receiving hospice care.
The left-handed hurler had one of the most impressive careers in Major League Baseball history, spanning three decades.
But it was during his stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers that propelled his legendary stature. After earning an All-Star nod with the Chicago White Sox, John signed with the Dodgers prior to the 1972 season.
After three stellar seasons in LA, the last two of which he led the league in win-percentage, he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow late in the 1974 season.
The prompted team physician Dr. Frank Jobe to replace the ligament, a surgery that was the first of its kind and considered radical at the time.
That surgery, today known as Tommy John surgery, is the most recognizable surgical procedure in all of baseball.
Despite missing the 1975 season, he managed to go 47-27 the next three seasons with the Dodgers. He helped Los Angeles win three National League pennants in his time out west, losing in the World Series each time.
His career would push forward for more than another decade, including two more All-Star appearances with the New York Yankees.
All told, John pitched 26 seasons, made the All-Star team four times, finished runner-up in the Cy Young voting twice, and to this day, has the second most wins in the modern era of baseball with 288 (among players not in the Hall of Fame).
Following the news of his passing, reactions poured in from all corners of the baseball world.
Mets legend Keith Hernandez, while broadcasting the game on Sunday, provided some insight into just how talented John was.
“Tommy was with the Dodgers… He led with a slider that broke like this,” Hernandez showing more than a foot of break with his hands.
“I remember [thinking] I had never seen a slider like that from a left-hander before… He was just a wonderful man… he should be in the Hall of Fame, I’m going to continue to promote him for that.”
The Dodgers organization released a statement amid the unfortunate news.
“We are saddened to hear the news of Tommy John’s passing today,” said Stan Kasten, President & CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers. “Tommy was an exceptional pitcher throughout his career in Major League Baseball, and his courageous role in becoming the first to have surgery that would go on to bear his name can’t be overstated. His impact both on and off the field has been felt by ballplayers of all ages and will be for generations to come.”
Even fans were touched by the passing star.
“Tommy John pitched for Dodgers from 1972-78. I saw him pitch in person at Dodgers Stadium. Got his autograph as a 10 year old boy in 1972. He was such a nice man. He will be missed Michele!,” one X user posted.
“RIP Tommy John. Even before he lent his name to the surgery that revolutionized sports medicine, he was a terrific SP. I had the good fortune to see him win a bunch of games for some terrible White Sox teams…and anchor the staff of the 1977 Dodgers,” wrote another.
He is survived by his wife Cheryl, and his children Tommy, Travis and Tamara. A private celebration of his life will be held in Florida.
