The former Dodgers great, also White Sox and Yankees great, is 83 and in failing health. He sent this note to fans via the Yankees on the occasion of the Yankees Old-Timers Day event this weekend:
“I want to thank the Yankees organization & the Steinbrenner family for giving me this opportunity to say goodbye to everyone, along with all the friends & fans who followed me throughout my 26-year career. Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my arm & made it possible for me to continue pitching. That surgery has since gone on to save the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today. Thank you to all the fans who supported me & my teammates for 26 years. I will never forget you.”
John pitched for the Dodgers from 1972-1978, including the 1975 season, where he did not pitch as he was injured–and required career-saving surgery that was not only successful, but came to be known as “Tommy John” Surgery.
—288 Career Wins: Ranks second-most for any pitcher post-1900 not enshrined in Cooperstown.
–Post-Surgery Success: Won 164 of his games after his pioneering 1974 surgery, proving the procedure’s viability.
–Longevity: Pitched 26 seasons, making four All-Star appearances and totaling 61.6 bWAR.
–Voting History: Maxed out his 15 years on the BBWAA ballot in 2009 (peaking at 31.7%) and later missed election through the Veterans/Modern Baseball committees
