This week, the heartbreaking news that Tommy John had passed away was announced.
John was 83.
Via MLB: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tommy John, a veteran of 26 MLB seasons who helped revolutionize recovery from pitching injuries in the 1970s.”
New York Yankees Legend Don Mattingly Reacts
GettyInterim manager Don Mattingly looks on prior to a game against the Minnesota Twins at Field of Dreams on August 13, 2026 in Dyersville, Iowa.
One person to react to the news was his former Yankees teammate Don Mattingly.
Mattingly (via The Yankees): “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Tommy John. Tommy and I were both from Indiana and shared a Midwest bond while playing in New York together. He was a great pitcher and the ultimate competitor. I offer my sincere condolences to his family, friends and all those who loved him.”
MLB World Reacts
GettyTommy John #25 of the New York Yankees poses for a portrait during the 1988 season.
Here’s what other teams around the baseball world were saying:
Chicago White Sox: “The White Sox send our condolences to the family, friends and fans of 4x MLB All-Star Tommy John, who has passed away at 83. John appeared in in 237 games (219 starts) over seven seasons with the White Sox from 1965-1971. He represented the White Sox at the 1968 All-Star Game.”
Los Angeles Angels: “The Angels join the baseball community in mourning the loss of former pitcher Tommy John. His remarkable career and enduring impact on the game will be felt for generations, as the groundbreaking surgery that bears his name has helped prolong the careers of countless players throughout baseball. Acquired by the Angels in 1982, John helped bolster the Club’s starting rotation during their race to an AL West division title. He would go on to appear in parts of four seasons with the Angels (1982-85) and paced the Angels staff in innings pitched and tied for the team lead in wins in 1983. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Tommy’s family, friends, and teammates.”
Los Angeles Dodgers: “The Los Angeles Dodgers would like to express our sadness over the passing of Tommy John, who died Saturday at the age of 83. Thanks in no small part to the pioneering surgery that bears his name, Tommy’s extraordinary career encompassed 26 seasons and 288 career victories. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Athletics: “The A’s are saddened by the passing of Tommy John. Though his time with the organization was brief, his impact on the game of baseball was monumental. We send our condolences to his family and loved ones.”
New York Yankees: “The New York Yankees mourn the passing of Tommy John, who was a bedrock of our rotation during his time in pinstripes and a longtime favorite of Yankees fans. While his incredible longevity and post-surgery achievements changed the fortunes and trajectory of countless athletes around the world, it also overshadowed his excellence as a pitcher, which included consecutive 20‑win seasons with the Yankees. We pause to remember the totality of his legacy — his competitiveness and skill, his penchant for conversation, his kind and gracious nature, and his stature as an athletic and medical pioneer. The Yankees extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends, including wife, Cheryl, daughter, Tamara, and sons Tommy III and Travis. We also keep his son Taylor in our hearts.”
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