Tommy John misses Yankees Old-Timers’ Day and posts farewell message

Tommy John, the former pitcher whose name is attached to a common elbow operation, was absent from the New York Yankees’ Old-Timers’ Day on Saturday in New York. He later posted a short farewell message that referred to his health without giving details.

According to ESPN, John wrote that he would “never forget” the people he had known, but did not explain what was wrong or why he could not attend the event. The post prompted concern because it was vague and followed his no-show at the Yankees gathering.

John is best known for the surgery that bears his name, which has been performed on many major league pitchers. His absence from the annual Yankees event drew attention because he has long been associated with the club and with baseball history.

ESPN reported the message on Saturday, the same day the Yankees held their Old-Timers’ Day celebration.