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Tommy John, MLB Pitching Icon, Dies at 76

8/18/2026

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Summary

Tommy John Dies

Thomas Edward John Jr., former MLB pitcher, died of bladder cancer on August 15, 2026 in Bradenton, Florida.
Dr. Frank Jobe performed a UCL reconstruction on John on September 25, 1974, estimating a 1% success chance.
John missed 1975, returned in 1976 and won 164 games thereafter.
The operation, now called Tommy John surgery, has been used on over 1,000 pitchers and about one-third of MLB arms.

Summary

John Remembered

Agent Mike Maguire announced John’s passing, with a private celebration of life held in Florida.
After retiring, John worked as a TV analyst for the Twins and Yankees in the 1990s.
He later coached minor-league pitchers for the Expos and Yankees and managed an Atlantic League team.
Following his son Taylor’s 2010 overdose death, John founded the “Let’s Do It” charity in his memory.

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Tommy John Dies

Thomas Edward John Jr., former MLB pitcher, died of bladder cancer on August 15, 2026 in Bradenton, Florida.
Dr. Frank Jobe performed a UCL reconstruction on John on September 25, 1974, estimating a 1% success chance.
John missed 1975, returned in 1976 and won 164 games thereafter.
The operation, now called Tommy John surgery, has been used on over 1,000 pitchers and about one-third of MLB arms.

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