The four-time MLB All-Star pitcher Tommy John, best known for the groundbreaking elbow surgery that changed baseball forever, passed away at the age of 83. The former New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers star took his last breath peacefully at his home in Lakewood Ranch, surrounded by his wife Cheryl and family members.
John’s death came shortly after he shared a farewell message with the Yankees fans during Old Timers’ Day. He thanked the organization and supporters who loved him over his remarkable 26-year career.
“I want to thank the Yankees organization & the Steinbrenner family for giving me this opportunity to say goodbye to everyone, along with all the friends & fans who followed me throughout my 26-year career,” Tommy John said.
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Tommy John’s was first married to Sally Simmons in 1970, and the couple are parents to four children, namely Tamara, Tommy III, Travis and Taylor. They later divorced in 2013. Their oldest son Tommy John III played college baseball at Furman University and later became a chiropractor.
He also wrote a book focusing on helping young athletes reduce injury risks and avoid major sports-related surgeries. Unfortunately, their son Taylor passed away in 2010 at the age of 28 due to complications from a prescription drug overdose.
Taylor appeared in the Broadway production of ‘Les Misérables’ as a child and also played baseball growing up. Following the tragedy, John created the “Let’s Do It” Foundation to raise awareness about suicide and mental health struggles.
John and Sally’s daughter Tamara is married to a former Chicago Bears long snapper Patrick Mannelly in 2998. After his divorce from Sally, John later tied the knot with Cheryl Zeldin, who supported him by his side in his final years. The couple lived in California.
Tommy John’s historic comeback changed baseball forever
Tommy John’s legacy extended far beyond his 26-year MLB career, as the left-handed pitcher overcame one of baseball’s most devastating injuries. He suffered from a complete tear of his left ulnar collateral ligament in 1974 and underwent an experimental elbow surgery.
The surgery was successful, and he eventually returned on the mound. This surgery has changed the future of countless pitchers to this day. It was performed by Los Angeles Dodgers team physician Dr. Frank Jobe. At that time, Jobe gave John only a 1% chance of pitching again, but his determination helped him make a historic comeback in the majors.
He missed the 1975 season, but returned to on-field activities in 1976. He was awarded a second-place finish in NL Cy Young Award voting in 1977. Apart from the Dodgers and New York Yankees, John also played with the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels. He retired in 1989.
Edited by Safeer M S
