Tommy John, the famed former New York Yankees pitcher who was the first to undergo the revolutionary elbow surgery that has since extended the careers of many Major League Baseball pitchers, released a farewell statement to fans on Saturday, August 8, 2026, during the Yankees' Old-Timers’ Day celebration.

At 83 years old, John revealed he has been battling health issues in Florida and said he was "saying goodbye" to his supporters. In his message, he expressed gratitude to the Yankees organization and the Steinbrenner family for the opportunity to address fans and thanked all the friends and fans who followed him throughout his 26-year career.

John's pioneering surgery, performed in 1974, allowed him to continue pitching successfully, winning more than 160 games after the operation. He missed the entire 1975 season but went on to become a three-time All-Star. The procedure, often referred to as "Tommy John surgery," has since saved the careers of countless pitchers, including many of today's top players.

Reflecting on his journey, John shared a poignant memory: "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 concluded his message with heartfelt thanks: "Thank you to all the fans who supported me & my teammates for 26 years. I will never forget you. I've never forgotten those words. Thank you & God Bless."

Sources