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Tommy John, the former New York Yankees pitcher who first underwent the elbow surgery that has been used to further the careers of players for decades, released a statement to fans as the franchise celebrated Old-Timers’ Day on Saturday.
John, 83, said in his message he was “saying goodbye” as the team revealed he’s been battling health issues in Florida.
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New York Yankees pitcher Tommy John delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during a game at Yankee Stadium on July 9, 1988, in New York. (Getty Images)
“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,” John’s message read.
“Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my arm & 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.
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Tommy John of the New York Yankees pitches in a Major League Baseball game against the Oakland Athletics on May 18, 1989, at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. John was 46 years old at the time. (Getty Images)
“Thank you to all the fans who supported me & my teammates for 26 years. I will never forget you.”
John had his famed surgery in 1974 and became a success story as he went on to win more than 160 games after the operation was completed. He missed the entire 1975 season and was a three-time All-Star after the surgery.
He finished his career as a four-time All-Star and played eight of his 26 seasons with the Yankees.
He also played for the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels, Cleveland Indians and Oakland Athletics.
Tommy John of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout before a Major League Baseball game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., circa 1987. (Getty Images)
He had a career 3.34 ERA with 2,245 strikeouts.
“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,'” his message added.
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“I’ve never forgotten those words. Thank you & God Bless.”