Column: Remembering Tommy John and the surgery that saved his career
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“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 pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today.” — Tommy John, All-Star pitcher
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A few days ago, the baseball world was saddened to learn of the passing of baseball pitching great Thomas Edward John. The 83-year-old Terre Haute, Ind., native became a household name in baseball after having groundbreaking surgery on his elbow in 1974.
The 6’3” left-handed twirler was the first professional to have successful ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery on his elbow. Dr. Frank Jobe, one of the team physicians for the Dodgers, made medical history as the first doctor to have these positive results for this type of elbow surgery. Thus, the procedure has become a household name as “Tommy John” surgery.
John’s pioneering success with this surgery paved the way for many major league pitchers to save their careers. Up until 1974, this ailment was career-ending for a pitcher, and Hall of Fame Dodger standout Sandy Koufax suffered severe elbow pain and was forced into retirement. Had Dr. Jobe’s technique been known, Sandy probably would have continued his career. Detroit Tigers’ young phenom Mark Fidrych also developed elbow pain, as did many other big-league hurlers a few years back.
The good news is that recent pitchers have benefited greatly from this procedure. John Smoltz, Justin Verlander, Shohei Ohtani, Chris Sale, Zack Wheeler and Max Fried are just a few of the guys who had the surgery and made great comebacks.
John had a 26-season major league tenure, starting his minor league days in 1961 at Dubuque in the Midwest League. The 18-year-old recorded a 10-4 record, good enough to be promoted to AAA ball in ’62 at Jacksonville. That International League team was first in the league with a 94- 60 record, and it afforded the young John a chance to play on a team packed with future major leaguers. He was called up to the big time with Cleveland in 1963 and went on to pitch for the White Sox, Dodgers, Yankees, Angels and the Athletics in his excellent career.
John did something as a pitcher that probably will not be done again. He won 288 games. A small few, maybe two or three current players, could, but it is doubtful. In over 700 starts, he completed 162 games. His lifetime ERA was 3.34. Modern-day pitchers only pitch five, six or rarely seven innings per game. This affects their win-loss record big time. Not enough innings to claim the win gives way to the relievers getting credit for the win. Many times a pitcher throws a great seven-inning game with the score 0 to 0 when he gets yanked, and he gets no credit for the win. A twist of fate lurks for the pitchers in today’s game.
John won his first 20-game season while losing only seven in 1977 with Los Angeles. The Dodger moundsman started 31 games and chalked up a stellar .741 winning percentage. In 1979 with the Yankees, he put up a 21-9 year and in ’80 he was a victor in 21 contests while losing nine. He struck out over 2,200 batters in his Major League seasons, making the All-Star team four times. A pretty fair baseball stat achieved by John is that he pitched 4,170 innings, which places him 20th in Major League Baseball history. He is right behind Tom Seaver.
After baseball, Tommy did some broadcasting and coached baseball at Furman University. His oldest son, Tommy III, played baseball at Furman and now is a practicing sports medicine professional. He played three years of minor league ball.
Don Mattingly, John’s Yankees teammate from 1986-1989, made the following statement upon learning of Tommy’s passing. “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Tommy John. Tommy and I were both from Indiana and shared a Midwest bond while playing in New York together. He was a great pitcher and the ultimate competitor. I offer my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all of those who loved him.”
Another quote from Aaron Boone, New York Yankees manager, is: “Obviously, a tremendous career, and I hope people remember how outstanding his career was, and not just being named for the injury that we know very well now.”
Just part of John’s story is a reflection of a strong will and determination, coupled with a commitment to not give in to adversity, but to focus on a positive result. His example inspired other athletes not to give up on their careers, but to be persistent in working toward complete rehabilitation from whatever the injury and come back even stronger than before. A good Midwestern American story that has and will continue to inspire and encourage many.
Rest in Peace, Mr. John!