Former Dodgers All-Star, 3-Time World Series Champion Sends ‘Goodbye’ After Hospice Update

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 03: A item changeable of the Los Angeles Dodgers logo connected the pitcher's mound pinch confetti during the Los Angeles Dodgers World Series Championship ceremony astatine Dodger Stadium connected Monday, November 3, 2025 successful Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jessie Alcheh/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to move astir a harsh losing streak and return to their march toward a 3rd consecutive World Series title arsenic soon arsenic possible.

But connected Saturday, the results connected the gem were put speech for a infinitesimal erstwhile a franchise legend, multi-time All-Star, multi-time World Series champion and erstwhile broadcaster issued a goodbye to each of his fans aft a historical career.

ForbesRed Sox 4-Year Infielder Cut By Mets Immediately After Trade DeadlineBy Peter Chawaga

Former Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Tommy John Sends Heartfelt Message As Health Wanes

For much than 5 decades pursuing his playing profession pinch the Dodgers, New York Yankees and others, Tommy John’s sanction has been inseparable from 1 of baseball’s astir important aesculapian breakthroughs. Now, aft the erstwhile pitcher was admitted into hospice care, he sent a connection to fans.

“Thank you to each the fans who supported maine and my teammates for 26 years. I will ne'er hide you,” John said successful a written connection shared by the Yankees, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.

John, 83, is presently in hospice attraction astatine his home successful Bradenton, Florida, bringing a difficult caller section to the life of a pitcher whose profession erstwhile appeared to beryllium complete earlier it genuinely began. In 1974, John was pitching for the Dodgers erstwhile he suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament successful his near elbow. At the time, specified an wounded was wide considered career-ending.

Instead, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Frank Jobe attempted an experimental process that would yet go known arsenic Tommy John surgery.

“Thanks to Dr. [Frank] Jobe, who saved my limb and made it imaginable for maine to proceed pitching,” John added successful his goodbye message. “That room has since gone connected to prevention the careers of countless pitchers, including galore of the very champion successful the crippled today.”

The numbers exemplify conscionable really bonzer the 2nd enactment of his profession became. John went 124-106 pinch a 2.97 ERA during his first 12 awesome convention seasons, past returned from room to spell 164-125 pinch a 3.66 ERA complete the remainder of his career.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers Star Sends Emotional Goodbye

John's longevity made him overmuch much than the namesake of a surgical procedure. He became a four-time All-Star and yet worked arsenic a broadcaster for the Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees aft his playing profession ended.

Now, however, John is confronting a wellness conflict that has prompted him to look backmost connected his decades successful baseball.