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Tommy John Bids Farewell from Hospice at Old-Timers Day

8/9/2026

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Summary

Tommy John Farewell

Tommy John issued an emotional farewell on Aug 8 2026 at Old-Timer’s Day while in hospice for bladder cancer.
He thanked the Yankees organization, the Steinbrenner family, and surgeon Dr. Frank Jobe.
He recalled a 26-year MLB career with a 288-231 record and a 3.34 ERA.
He highlighted his Sept. 25 1974 ulnar collateral ligament surgery by Dr. Jobe—now called Tommy John surgery—that extended his career and closed with his father’s advice.

Summary

Tommy John Tribute

The Yankees opened a series against the Atlanta Braves while promoting the 78th Old-Timers’ Day.
Yankees officials posted a farewell message for former pitcher John on social media, noting he was home in Bradenton.
The 83-year-old former pitcher missed the ceremony, saying he is “battling health issues.”
The club highlighted John’s nickname “The Bionic Man,” credited Dr. Frank Jobe for extending his career, and linked tribute to its playoff push.

History

Historical Context

In 1974 Dr. Frank Jobe performed the first ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction on Dodgers pitcher Tommy John, saving a career that later spanned 26 seasons. The operation, now called Tommy John surgery, has become routine—about one-third of MLB pitchers have undergone it, with 35.3% of those active in 2023 treated. The Yankees’ Old-Timers’ Day tribute highlights how that breakthrough reshaped longevity expectations in professional baseball.

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Tommy John Farewell

Tommy John issued an emotional farewell on Aug 8 2026 at Old-Timer’s Day while in hospice for bladder cancer.
He thanked the Yankees organization, the Steinbrenner family, and surgeon Dr. Frank Jobe.
He recalled a 26-year MLB career with a 288-231 record and a 3.34 ERA.
He highlighted his Sept. 25 1974 ulnar collateral ligament surgery by Dr. Jobe—now called Tommy John surgery—that extended his career and closed with his father’s advice.

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