Tommy John, 83, says goodbye

Tommy John, the former Yankees pitcher and namesake of the career-saving surgery, has announced his departure from public life due to health issues. The 83-year-old, who pitched in 26 seasons and won 288 games, thanked his fans and the doctor who performed the surgery that saved his career.

Tommy John was being treated for bladder cancer and has entered hospice care. He pitched in parts of 26 seasons between 1963 and 1989, amassing 288 wins and more than 4,710 innings pitched.

The surgery that bears his name has saved the careers of countless pitchers, including Justin Verlander, Shohei Ohtani, Tarik Skubal, and Chris Sale. Tommy John had the career-saving surgery performed by Dr. Frank Jobe in 1974, which allowed him to continue pitching after suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow.

## What happens next Tommy John's legacy will continue to be felt in the baseball world, with his surgery remaining a crucial procedure for pitchers. The Yankees organization and the Steinbrenner family have given Tommy John the opportunity to say goodbye to everyone, and he has expressed his gratitude to his fans and the doctor who saved his arm.

## Why it matters Tommy John's impact on baseball extends beyond his playing career. The surgery that bears his name has become a commonplace procedure, and his legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of pitchers. As he enters hospice care, Tommy John's fans and the baseball community will remember his remarkable career and the impact he had on the sport.

Tommy John's statement, issued through the Yankees, thanked the organization and the Steinbrenner family for giving him the opportunity to say goodbye. He also thanked Dr. Frank Jobe, who saved his arm and made it possible for him to continue pitching. The baseball world will miss Tommy John, but his legacy will live on through the countless pitchers whose careers have been saved by the surgery that bears his name.