Tributes are pouring in for one of the most important pitchers in MLB history on Sunday.
Tommy John, the MLB great whose name inspired an iconic surgery, has passed away. He was 83 years old. Tommy John, whose inspiring comeback from arm surgery led to him being known for the popular procedure, played in Major League Baseball for 26 seasons between 1963 and 1989. He played for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, California Angels, and Oakland Athletics.
TMZ Sports confirmed his passing on Sunday.
"John passed away peacefully at his home in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, surrounded by his wife, Cheryl, and family, according to a statement released by his agent, Mike Maguire," TMZ Sports reported.
"The news comes just days after we reported John was in hospice care at his Florida home and had shared an emotional farewell message with his fans."
Julie Vennitti Botos / Canton Repository / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Tributes are pouring in for Tommy John on Sunday
"As a huge Yankees and TommyJohn fan (also of the surgery named after him. Had both elbows done.), I am devastated to see this. May you rest in peace," one fan wrote.
"Tommy John passes away. Good long career. And if there’s anybody ever who should have donated his body to science, it’s Tommy John," one fan added.
"Oh man this is sad. RIP to a legend. I’ll always remember interviewing Tommy John and how insightful and entertaining he was. Tommy once texted me 'Call me Baby Cakes' when I asked him about coming on the show & I still don’t know whether it was autocorrect or meant for someone else or what 😭🙏🏻❤️," one fan added.
"Just learned that Tommy John has passed away at 83. Condolences to his family," one fan added.
Tommy John's goodbye message to fans
Earlier this week, Tommy John released a goodbye message to fans.
"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. 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. Thank you to all the fans who supported me & my teammates for 26 years. I will never forget you," he shared.
"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.' I've never forgotten those words. Thank you & God Bless."
Our thoughts are with his friends and family members.
May he rest in peace.
