Tommy John steps back from public life amid bladder cancer treatment
Former Yankees pitcher Tommy John, 83, announced he will withdraw from public appearances while undergoing treatment for bladder cancer, thanking the late Dr. Frank Jobe for the surgery that bears his name.
Former major-league pitcher Tommy John announced he will cease public engagements as he continues treatment for bladder cancer. The 83-year-old, who played 26 seasons between 1963 and 1989 and recorded 288 wins, issued a statement through the New York Yankees, noting he is 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 statement read.
John also expressed gratitude to the late orthopedic surgeon Dr. Frank Jobe, whose 1974 procedure to replace a torn ulnar collateral ligament—using a tendon from the patient’s own body—enabled him to resume pitching after a year of rehabilitation. He added that the surgery has since saved the careers of many contemporary pitchers.
"Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my arm & made it possible for me to continue pitching," John wrote.
The operation, commonly referred to as “Tommy John surgery,” has become a routine solution for elbow injuries in baseball, used by pitchers such as Justin Verlander, Shohei Ohtani, Tarik Skubal and Chris Sale. John’s career included stints with the Yankees, White Sox, Dodgers, Angels, Athletics and Indians.
He concluded his statement with a personal note recalling his father's advice and offering thanks and blessings.