Tommy John, the pitcher behind a landmark elbow operation, dies at 83
The former major league pitcher whose name became linked to a career-saving elbow procedure has died, according to reports from U.S. sports outlets.
Tommy John, the former major league pitcher whose name became attached to a widely used elbow operation, has died at 83, according to multiple reports on Sunday. The reports said he died in Florida after recently entering hospice care.
John was the first player to undergo the procedure in 1974, and he later returned to pitch in the majors. The operation, which rebuilt a damaged elbow ligament, became a standard treatment for injured pitchers and other throwing athletes.
During his career, John was selected to four All-Star teams and spent 26 seasons in the major leagues. ESPN said the surgery allowed him to continue playing for 14 more years.
The New York Yankees paid tribute to John after his death. His legacy remains tied to the operation that now bears his name and has been used on many pitchers since the 1970s.
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