Former MLB Pitcher Tommy John Passes Away at 83

Tommy John, the renowned former MLB pitcher known for the surgery that bears his name, has died at 83. His agent, Mike Maguire, confirmed John’s passing in a statement.

‘Thomas Edward ‘Tommy’ John Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Lakewood Ranch surrounded by his loving wife, Cheryl, and sister-in-laws Judith Florentino and Karen Jordan,’ the statement read.

The family plans a private celebration of life in Florida. John’s death followed a recent farewell message he shared with fans during the New York Yankees’ Old-Timers’ Day, where he acknowledged his health struggles.

In that message, John expressed gratitude to the Yankees organization and the Steinbrenner family. He thanked his fans and friends who supported him through his 26-year career. John also highlighted the impact of Dr. Jobe, who performed the surgery that prolonged his career and helped many others in baseball.

John had the surgery, now famously known as ‘Tommy John surgery,’ in 1974, returning to win over 160 games thereafter. Although he missed the 1975 season, he went on to become a three-time All-Star following the procedure.

Throughout his career, John achieved four All-Star appearances, spending eight seasons with the New York Yankees. His career also included time with the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels, Cleveland Indians, and Oakland Athletics. He finished with a 3.34 ERA and 2,245 strikeouts.

‘The day I left for my first job as a pitcher, my father looked at me and said, ‘Good luck, Tommy. Whether you make it big in the big leagues or not, you’ll always be Tommy John from Terre Haute, Indiana,’’ he recalled. ‘I’ve never forgotten those words. Thank you and God Bless.’

John also testified before the U.S. Senate Appropriations subcommittee on ALS in Washington in 2005.