We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tommy John, a veteran of 26 MLB seasons who helped revolutionize recovery from pitching injuries in the 1970s.

John broke in with Cleveland as a 20-year-old in 1963 and made his last appearance for the Yankees at age 46 in 1989, also… pic.twitter.com/z4bB9I31vL

— MLB (@MLB) August 16, 2026

Think about how many pitchers were able to complete their baseball careers, because he was willing to try that surgery, and the skill of that Ortho Surgeon. My son pitched three more seasons in college baseball after having that surgery after his freshman season. Thank you Tommy John!
I hope they play baseball in Heaven!

Tommy John was an innings beast and a 26-year MLB veteran. Unsigned and essentially retired in the fall of 1986, he accepted the pitching coach job at UNC under Mike Roberts. He lasted three days, backing out of the deal, he said in his autobiography, because he did not get the… https://t.co/IQC9gltuMd

— Tim Peeler (@PackTimPeeler) August 17, 2026