The Los Angeles Dodgers released a statement Sunday, Aug. 16, after news of Tommy John’s death shook the baseball world.
“The Los Angeles Dodgers would like to express our sadness over the passing of Tommy John, who died Saturday at the age of 83. Thanks in no small part to the pioneering surgery that bears his name, Tommy’s extraordinary career encompassed 26 seasons and 288 career victories. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
John was traded to the Dodgers in December 1971, in the deal that sent future Hall of Famer Dick Allen to the Chicago White Sox.
MORE: Former Yankees pitcher, pioneering surgery recipient Tommy John dies
John went 40-15 with a 2.89 ERA over the next three seasons. He led the National League in winning percentage each of the latter two seasons before an elbow injury interrupted his career.
John ruptured the medial collateral ligament in his left elbow due to overuse. After two months of rest, he elected to have surgery. Dodgers team physician Frank Jobe replaced the fraying ligament on Sept. 25, 1974.
The recovery was worth the wait. John recorded 164 of his 288 career wins after returning to the Dodgers in the 1976 season. He made three postseason starts in 1977, and three more in 1978, as Los Angeles reached the World Series and lost to the Yankees each year.
MORE: Yankees send message to Tommy John’s family after pitcher’s death
Later, John pitched for the Yankees in parts of eight seasons.
“The New York Yankees mourn the passing of Tommy John, who was a bedrock of our rotation during his time in pinstripes and a longtime favorite of Yankees fans,” the team said in a statement. “While his incredible longevity and post-surgery achievements changed the fortunes and trajectory of countless athletes around the world, it also overshadowed his excellence as a pitcher, which included consecutive 20‑win seasons with the Yankees.
“We pause to remember the totality of his legacy — his competitiveness and skill, his penchant for conversation, his kind and gracious nature, and his stature as an athletic and medical pioneer. The Yankees extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends, including wife, Cheryl, daughter, Tamara, and sons Tommy III and Travis. We also keep his son Taylor in our hearts.”
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —