Tommy John, namesake for a pioneering elbow surgery that saved his career, dies at 83

The left-handed MLB pitcher was 31 years old when he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow in 1974, an injury that had been a death knell for pitchers' careers up to that point.

By The Associated Press

Tommy John, namesake for a pioneering elbow surgery that saved his career, dead at 83

On Aug. 8, the New York Yankees released a social media post in which John wrote that he wanted to say goodbye: "I will never forget you."

Tommy John, namesake for a pioneering elbow surgery that saved his career, dead at 83 - The Globe and Mail

Tommy John, namesake for a pioneering elbow surgery that saved his career, dead at 83  The Globe and Mail

Tommy John, whose now-eponymous elbow surgery saved his career, dies at 83 - Nikkei Asia

Tommy John, whose now-eponymous elbow surgery saved his career, dies at 83  Nikkei Asia

Former MLB Pitcher Tommy John, the Namesake of a Revolutionary Elbow Surgery That Extended His Career, Dies at 83

The four-time All-Star underwent an experimental surgery in 1974 that helped to extend his career