Baseball community mourns the passing of Tommy John
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 10:29 PM
Last updated Aug 16, 2026

Tommy John, a renowned pitcher who won 288 games in a 26-year MLB career, has passed away. He is celebrated not only for his achievements on the field but also for being the first pitcher to successfully undergo the elbow surgery that bears his name. Reactions from various figures in baseball highlight his contributions, perseverance, and lasting legacy. New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, who had the surgery in 2025, reflected on John's trailblazing role. Other tributes emphasized his character, impact on sports medicine, and the belief that he deserves to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Yankees issued a statement honoring his skill and resilience.
- •Tommy John won 288 games during his MLB career.
- •He was the first pitcher to return successfully from elbow surgery.
- •Reactions from baseball figures highlight his legacy and character.
- •Gerrit Cole praised John as a trailblazer for future pitchers.
- •Tributes include calls for his Hall of Fame induction.
- 10:29 PMYahoo Sports — Reaction to the death of Tommy John
"— New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, who had Tommy John surgery in 2025. — former major league pitcher and New York Mets color commentator Keith Hernandez on SportsNew New York telecast. Tommy was a wonderful person who competed to the utmost and did what no player had ever done to save his career, in conjunction with the esteemed Dr. Frank Jobe.
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