Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Tommy John Dies at 83 After Hospice Care

8/16/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Tommy John died at age 83 on night at his Bradenton, Florida home while under hospice care.
In 1974, at age 31, he underwent the first ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction by Dr. Frank Jobe, won 164 games and signed a Yankees deal in 1977.
The surgery is commonplace, with thousands of players undergoing it and 80% returning to prior performance, prompting Dr. Neal ElAttrache to call it the reconstructive procedure.

History

Historical Context

In 1972 the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) split from the AAOS Committee on Sports Medicine, gathering 58 surgeons to create a research and education forum. Beginning with roughly 100 members, the society expanded to over 2,000, driving collaborative studies that have shaped modern orthopedic sports injury treatment.

1 of 2

Story summary

Tommy John died at age 83 on night at his Bradenton, Florida home while under hospice care.
In 1974, at age 31, he underwent the first ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction by Dr. Frank Jobe, won 164 games and signed a Yankees deal in 1977.
The surgery is commonplace, with thousands of players undergoing it and 80% returning to prior performance, prompting Dr. Neal ElAttrache to call it the reconstructive procedure.

1 / 2