sports
Tommy John, MLB All-Star pitcher who had a surgery named after him, dies at 83
Updated on: August 16, 2026 / 9:08 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Thomas "Tommy" John, a four-time MLB All-Star, died at 83.
- He won 288 career games over a 26-year professional baseball career.
- John underwent experimental elbow reconstruction surgery in 1974, now known as "Tommy John surgery," which saved his career.
- This surgery has since saved the careers of thousands of pitchers.
- He played for multiple teams, including the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels, Oakland Athletics, and New York Yankees.
- John was selected to the All-Star team four times: in 1968, 1978, 1979, and 1989.
- Shortly before his death, he penned a farewell letter to fans, thanking Dr. Frank Jobe for saving his arm and fans for their support.