Tommy John, Pitcher Known for Breakthrough Elbow Surgery, Dies at 83
Tommy John, the former MLB pitcher whose career was saved by a groundbreaking elbow surgery that was later named after him, has died at the age of 83. He passed away at his home in Bradenton, Florida.
Indianapolis, IN, August 17, 2026 —
Tommy John, the former Major League Baseball pitcher whose career was extended by a revolutionary surgical procedure that now bears his name, has died. He was 83.
John passed away at his home in Bradenton, Florida. The specific cause of death was not provided.
Born Thomas Eldon John, he pitched in MLB for 26 seasons, from 1963 to 1989, with the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Yankees. His career was significantly impacted by an elbow injury that threatened to end it.
In 1974, while playing for the Dodgers, John underwent a procedure to replace a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. The surgery was performed by Dr. Frank Jobe, and it was the first successful instance of what became known as the “Tommy John surgery.” This procedure has since become a common and often career-saving operation for baseball players at all levels.
John’s successful return to pitching after the surgery demonstrated the viability of the procedure, paving the way for countless other athletes to undergo and benefit from it.
Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.wrtv.com, see more information here.
