MLB legend Tommy John has passed away at the age of 83. As reported by The Sun, his agent confirmed that he died peacefully at his home.
He added that his family was present for his passing, including his wife Cheryl among others.
His tragic passing comes two years after the MLB legend was tragically diagnosed with bladder cancer. Prior to his passing, he was admitted into a hospice in Florida, where he penned an emotional goodbye letter.
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The MLB Legend Thanked His Fans
It was shared at Yankee Stadium last weekend. It reads, "I want to thank the Yankees organization & the Steinbrenner family for giving me this opportunity to say goodbye to everyone, along with all the friends & fans who followed me throughout my 26-year career."
"Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my arm & made it possible for me to continue pitching," the MLB legend continued. "That surgery has since gone on to save the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today."
Back in 1974, John was the first MLB star to have a now-commonplace surgery. He had torn his UCL, meaning he needed surgery to correct it. The surgery was named after him, being coined as a "Tommy John".
"Thank you to all the fans who supported me & my teammates for 26 years. I will never forget you. The day I left for my first job as a pitcher, my father looked at me & said, 'Good luck, Tommy. Just remember one thing: whether you make it big in the big leagues or you don't, you'll always just be Tommy John from Terre Haute, Indiana.'"
"I've never forgotten those words. Thank You & God Bless."
Per TMZ, the New York Yankees shared a touching tribute to the MLB legend, writing that he was a "bedrock of our rotation during his time in pinstripes and a longtime favorite of Yankees fans."
They added they also wanted 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."
May he rest in peace.
