Yankees Saddened By Death Of Legendary MLB Pitcher

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Yankees Saddened By Death Of Legendary MLB Pitcher

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Aug 16, 2026 2:23 PM ET

The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are among those saddened by the death of legendary MLB pitcher Tommy John on Sunday.

Tommy John, who played 26 MLB seasons, is best known in 2026 for being the name that inspired the famous arm surgery given to pitchers across the game.

TMZ Sports confirmed his passing on Sunday.

“John passed away peacefully at his home in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, surrounded by his wife, Cheryl, and family, according to a statement released by his agent, Mike Maguire,” TMZ Sports reported.

“The news comes just days after we reported John was in hospice care at his Florida home and had shared an emotional farewell message with his fans.”

Tommy John, nicknamed “the Bionic Man,” played in Major League Baseball between 1963 and 1989.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - CIRCA 1974: Pitcher Tommy John #25 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during an Major League Baseball game circa 1974 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. John played for the Dodgers from 1972-74 and 1976-78. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Dodgers, Yankees release statements on his death

The Yankees and Dodgers are both extremely saddened.

"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," the Dodgers wrote on X.

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… pic.twitter.com/gRr4JpWaVj
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 16, 2026

"“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," the Yankees said.

STATEMENT FROM THE 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… pic.twitter.com/p6ndlBxUTb
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 16, 2026