Obit Tommy John Baseball

FILE - Lefthander Tommy John of the Los Angeles Dodgers signs an autograph before a game, Aug. 12, 1977.

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Tommy John, namesake for a pioneering elbow surgery that saved his career, dead at 83

Tommy John, namesake for a pioneering elbow surgery that saved his career, dead at 83

Tommy John, the pitching great known for the surgery that bears his name, has died at 83. According to agent Mike Maguire, John died at his home in Bradenton, Florida, on Saturday night. John had a remarkable 26-year career, winning 288 games and becoming the first pitcher to successfully return after groundbreaking elbow surgery. This procedure, now known as Tommy John surgery, has saved the careers of many baseball stars. John was a four-time All-Star and played for several teams, including the Yankees and Dodgers. His legacy extends beyond his pitching, as his surgery revolutionized baseball.