Tommy John, one of the most successful pitchers of his era, died Sunday at the age of 83.
John passed away peacefully at his home in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., surrounded by family, his agent told TMZ Sports. He had been in hospice care as he battled health issues.
John’s death comes eight days after he released a letter to coincide with the New York Yankees’ Old-Timers’ Day, in which he took an opportunity to “say goodbye to everyone,” including fans and former teammates.
On this 78th Old-Timers’ Day, Tommy John shares a message to his fans, former teammates, and the Yankees organization as he battles health issues from his home in Bradenton, Florida. pic.twitter.com/3lKUWHoaw0
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 8, 2026
John put together a remarkable 26-year MLB career which saw him win 288 games and make four All-Star teams. He pitched for six teams, most prominently the Yankees and Chicago White Sox, and was also runner-up for Cy Young honors on two separate occasions during his lengthy career.
Ultimately, John is best known for the innovative surgical procedure that bears his name. After suffering an elbow injury in 1974, he elected to undergo UCL reconstruction surgery in a desperate bid to save his career. He was the first player to undergo such a procedure and not only returned, but pitched another 14 MLB seasons and had some of his best years after undergoing the procedure. Today, Tommy John surgery has become a very common procedure that has saved the careers of countless MLB pitchers, including some of the game’s very best.
John ultimately pitched until 1989, when he was 46. In addition to his 288 career wins, he posted a 3.34 ERA.
