Former MLB pitcher Tommy John dies at 83

Matt Cudahy

Former MLB pitcher Tommy John has died, according to reports. He was 83.

John, who played 26 seasons for six teams, most notably the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox, is perhaps best known as the namesake of the elbow ligament reconstruction procedure common among pitchers.

John was the first to undergo the surgery in 1974. Dr. Frank Jobe developed and performed the procedure. Now, hundreds of pitchers undergo it every year at all levels of the sport. Before then, that type of injury — a torn ulnar collateral ligament — was considered career-ending.

“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,” John said in a statement recently. “Thank you to all the fans who supported me & my teammates for 26 years. I will never forget you.”

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John was a four-time All-Star, amassing 288 wins and over 2,000 strikeouts in his career.

TMZ was first to report John’s death.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.