Tommy John enters hospice care and issues farewell letter

Former Major League pitcher Tommy John is in hospice care at his home in Bradenton, Florida, while battling health issues, including bladder cancer. The 83-year-old released a farewell letter, which the New York Yankees shared during their 78th Old-Timers’ Day.

In his message, John expressed gratitude to the Yankees organization, the Steinbrenner family, and fans who supported his 26-year career. He specifically credited Dr. Frank Jobe for performing the revolutionary ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in 1974 that saved his career. John noted, “That surgery has since gone on to save the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today.”

John pitched for six different clubs across 26 seasons, including stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, and the Yankees. He was a four-time All-Star and remains a foundational figure in baseball medicine due to the procedure that bears his name.