Tommy John, a four-time All-Star pitcher who became a household name due to an innovative surgery, has penned a farewell letter to fans while dealing with health issues.
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The 83-year-old John is under hospice care at his home in Bradenton, Florida. Bucky Dent, a former teammate, confirmed the John is ailing after a recent visit.
"I want to thank the Yankees organization and the Steinbrenner family for giving me this opportunity to say goodbye to everyone," John wrote in a statement distributed by the Yankees, "along with all the friends and fans who followed me throughout my 26-year career."
An Indiana native, John spent 26 years playing in MLB while suiting up for multiple teams. He pitched for the Dodgers, Indians, White Sox, Yankees, Athletics, and Angels between 1963-1989.
He led the league in shutouts three times (1966-67, 1980). John also led the league in win-loss percentage in 1973-74.
Once he retired, he remained involved in baseball. John worked as a broadcaster and a coach at the college and minor league levels of the sport.
John missed the 1975 season after undergoing surgery on his elbow. Dr. Frank Jobe performed the procedure, which is now known as Tommy John Surgery. This extended the pitcher's career and kept him at a highly productive level.
"Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my arm & made it possible for me to continue pitching," John added in his letter. "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.
"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.'"
