The New York Yankees released a statement Sunday, Aug. 16, after news of Tommy John’s death rattled the baseball world.
“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 statement read. “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.”
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According to MLB.com, John had recently undergone treatment related to a recurrence of bladder cancer.
On Saturday, Aug. 8, the New York Yankees posted a letter from John to their social media accounts. He said “goodbye to everyone, along with all the friends and fans who followed me throughout my 26-year career.”
John pitched for the Yankees from 1979-82 and again from 1986-89. He made two of his four career All-Star Game appearances wearing pinstripes.
Tommy John thanked Dr. Frank Jobe
John was pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1974 when the Dodgers’ team physician, Dr. Frank Jobe, replaced a frayed ligament in John’s elbow with another harvested from the pitcher’s right wrist.
“Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my arm & made it possible for me to continue pitching,” John wrote in his letter. “That surgery has since gone on to save the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today.”
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The Yankees’ team doctor, Dr. Chris Ahmad, wrote on X: “Your legacy is bigger than an operation. It lives in every pitcher who got another chance, every family who watched an athlete return, and every injury we may someday prevent because of what your story taught us. You became a symbol of the second chance.
“Thank you, Tommy. God bless you.”
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