He passed away on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the treatment of career-threatening injuries for pitchers across the sport.
Dr. Frank Jobe and the Ulnar Collateral Ligament
Fifty-two years ago, John underwent a groundbreaking reconstructive surgery performed by Dr. Frank Jobe to repair his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Before the procedure was developed, a UCL injury was widely considered a career-ending event for pitchers.
Nationals pitcher Jake Irvin on the impact of the pioneer
The surgery has since evolved into a routine procedure that enables athletes to make full recoveries and extend their professional longevity. Reflecting on the impact of the pioneer, current MLB players have credited John with providing them a second chance at their careers. He revolutionized the game of baseball,
said Nationals pitcher Jake Irvin, who underwent the surgery in 2020. For somebody like me who went through that injury in the Minors, a guy like that was able to pave the way to allow me to extend my career for a really long time.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone on the 1982 Angels
Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted that while the surgery remains a focal point of John’s legacy, his career as a player was also significant. John was a key member of the 1982 Angels team that captured the American League West championship and reached the playoffs. I hope people remember how outstanding his career was, and not just being named for the injury that we know very well now,
Boone said.
Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole and notable comebacks
The procedure pioneered by John and Dr. Jobe has supported numerous notable comebacks, including those of Cy Young Award winners Jacob deGrom, Justin Verlander, and Tarik Skubal. As Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, who underwent the surgery in March 2025, observed, John’s decision to venture into the unknown provided a path for others to follow. In Tommy’s instance, it extended his career and gave him a second half, and I’m a beneficiary of that,
Cole said, according to MLB.com.
