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Tommy John, namesake for a pioneering elbow surgery that saved his career, dies at 83

Tommy John, namesake for a pioneering elbow surgery that saved his career, dies at 83
NPR News Sunday 16 August 2026, 18:58 UTC By The Associated Press 1 min read
Key Points

The left-handed MLB pitcher was 31 years old when he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow in 1974, an injury that had been a death knell for pitchers' careers up to that point.(Image credit: Damian Dovarganes)

The left-handed MLB pitcher was 31 years old when he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow in 1974, an injury that had been a death knell for pitchers' careers up to that point.

(Image credit: Damian Dovarganes)

[Image text:] LosAngr Dodgers
Tommy John (PERSON) MLB (ORG) Damian Dovarganes (PERSON)
Originally published by NPR News Read original →

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