Tommy John thanks Yankees and fans during Old-Timers’ Day farewell
Former pitcher Tommy John used Yankees Old-Timers’ Day to express gratitude to the organization, the Steinbrenner family and fans as he confronts ongoing health challenges.
Former All-Star pitcher Tommy John, 83, addressed the New York Yankees crowd on Old-Timers’ Day, thanking the organization, the Steinbrenner family and fans for their support throughout his 26-year career. He noted his recent battles with bladder cancer and other health issues while reflecting on a career that included 288 wins and the landmark elbow surgery that bears his name.
John said, "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." He added, "The day I left for my first job as a pitcher, my father looked at me & said, 'Good luck, Tommy. Just remember one thing: whether you make it big in the big leagues or you don’t, you’ll always just be Tommy John from Terre Haute, Indiana.'"
He recalled the 1974 procedure performed by Dr. Frank Jobe, which involved tendon grafting and bone anchors, and noted that the technique has since been applied to more than 3,000 pitchers. John explained that the surgery became known by his name because it was simpler to reference than the technical description.
John concluded his remarks with a thank-you and a blessing, expressing appreciation for the community that has followed his career.