Tommy John skips Old-Timers’ Day citing health concerns
Former pitcher Tommy John announced he will not attend Saturday’s Old-Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium due to health reasons, while reflecting on his career and the impact of the surgery that bears his name.
Tommy John, the former major-league pitcher whose career was prolonged by the elbow surgery now known as Tommy John surgery, said he will miss Saturday’s Old-Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium for health reasons. In a statement addressed to the Yankees organization and fans, John expressed gratitude to the Steinbrenner family, Dr. Frank Jobe and the supporters who followed his 26-year career.
"I want to thank the Yankees organization and the Steinbrenner family for giving me this opportunity to say goodbye to everyone, along with all the friends and fans who followed me throughout my 26-year career," John wrote.
"Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my arm and made it possible for me to continue pitching. That surgery has since gone on to save the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today. Thank you to all the fans who supported me and my teammates for 26 years. I will never forget you."
The Yankees’ starting pitcher, Gerrit Cole, and the Braves’ starter, Chris Sale, both recipients of the procedure, highlighted the surgery’s role in extending their careers after the Yankees beat the Braves 5-4.
"Chris and I are a great example of taking it to the max as long as you can, then being given a fresh set of tires after a pit stop at the end," Cole said. "The surgery itself is saving us, but the player had to step up to the table and do it."
John’s own surgery in 1974, performed by Dr. Jobe after a torn ulnar collateral ligament, was considered a one-in-100 chance of success. He missed the 1975 season but returned in 1976 and pitched through 1989, finishing with a 91-60 record and a 3.59 ERA over eight seasons with the Yankees. He recalled his father’s advice to stay grounded regardless of his baseball achievements.