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Death of MLB pitcher Tommy John

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2026-08-18 13:39 UTC → 2026-08-20 11:05 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Major League Baseball pitcher Tommy John has died at the age of ~~83 in Bradenton, Florida. He~~ 83. His death was confirmed by his wife, Cheryl John, who stated he passed away ~~while~~ at his home in ~~hospice care~~ Lakewood Ranch, Florida, following a recurrence of bladder cancer. John is widely recognized for the pioneering elbow surgery that bears his name, which was first performed on him in 1974 by Dr. Frank Jobe to replace a torn ulnar collateral ligament with a tendon from his forearm. Although the procedure was experimental with low odds of success at the time—reportedly only 1-in-100—John’s successful return to professional play revolutionized sports medicine. The procedure, now known as ‘Tommy John surgery,’ has become a standard medical practice that has extended the careers of thousands of professional and amateur players. Over a 26-season career spanning from 1963 to 1989, John recorded 288 victories and was a four-time All-Star. He played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, California Angels, and Oakland Athletics. He also participated in three World Series. Following his death, various organizations, including the Dodgers and Yankees, issued tributes honoring his competitive spirit and his lasting influence on generations of athletes.

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