Tommy John, ex-Yankees pitcher and namesake of career-saving surgery, says goodbye amid health issues

Baseball icon Tommy John announced his departure from public life, thanking the late doctor who innovated the surgery that bears the Yankees lefty’s name.

Baseball icon Tommy John announced his departure from public life, thanking the late doctor who innovated the surgery that bears the lefty’s name and has saved “the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today.”

John, who disclosed in 2024 that he was being treated for bladder cancer, declined to attend Old-Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium on Saturday and instead issued a “goodbye” statement through the team. The Yankees said he was dealing with “health issues” at his home in Florida.

“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,” the 83-year-old’s statement said.

John pitched in parts of 26 seasons between 1963 and 1989, amassing 288 wins (26th most in baseball history) and more than 4,710 innings pitched (20th).

But he’ll best be known for overcoming a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, suffered in 1974.