# Death of MLB pitcher and medical pioneer Tommy John > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/health-status-of-former-pitcher-tommy-john > Updated: 2026-08-08T22:34:03.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 2. Former Major League Baseball pitcher Tommy John, 83, has died, according to an announcement by the Los Angeles Dodgers. John had previously entered hospice care at his home in Bradenton, Florida, while battling health issues, including bladder cancer. During that time, he issued a farewell letter to fans and friends, expressing gratitude to the New York Yankees organization, the Steinbrenner family, and the supporters of his 26-season career. In his message, he specifically credited Dr. Frank Jobe for performing the revolutionary ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in 1974, noting that ‘that surgery has since gone on to save the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today.’ A medical pioneer, John was the first athlete to undergo the reconstruction that now bears his name. The procedure allowed him to extend his career significantly after he ruptured a ligament in his left elbow in 1974. Over a career that included stints with the Dodgers, Angels, and Yankees, John retired at age 46 with a career record of 288-231 and a 3.34 earned-run average. The surgical technique he pioneered has since been used to save the careers of hundreds of players, including Shohei Ohtani. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-08: New York Yankees celebrate Old-Timers' Day amid Tommy John health news The New York Yankees celebrated their 78th Old-Timers' Day featuring franchise legends, while also sharing a farewell message from ailing former pitcher Tommy John. The team later defeated the Atlanta Braves 5- 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-celebrate-old-timers-day-amid-tommy-john-health-news ### 2026-08-08: Tommy John enters hospice care and issues farewell letter Former MLB pitcher Tommy John, namesake of the revolutionary elbow surgery, is in hospice care in Florida and has issued a farewell letter to fans and the New York Yankees. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-yankees-celebrate-old-timers-day-amid-health-updates --- Cite as: Death of MLB pitcher and medical pioneer Tommy John. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/health-status-of-former-pitcher-tommy-john