RIP - Tommy John

 

Tommy John, who pitched for 6 teams over his 26-year career, passed away on August 15, 2026 at age 83.

John began his career with the Indians in September 1963. He also pitched for the tribe in 1964. 

 

After the season, he was part of a 3-team 8-player trade that landed him with the White Sox. John was a key member of the Sox' rotation for the next 7 seasons. In 1968 he fashioned a 1.98 ERA and was named to his first All-Star team, but it seemed like he could never get out of Gary Peters' and Joel Horlen's shadows. 

 

Following the 1971 season he was traded to the Dodgers for Dick Allen. He played for Los Angeles for 6 seasons, while also missing the 1975 season after having Tommy John surgery. In 1977 he won 20 games for the first time, and finished a distant 2nd to Steve Carlton for the Cy Young award. 

 

John was granted free agency after the 1978 season, and signed with the Yankees. He pitched there for the better part of 4 seasons, winning 20 games twice along with two more All-Star games.

 

He was traded to the Angels in late-August 1982, and pitched there until he was released in June 1985. The Athletics picked him up for the rest of the season. John did not have the success with the Angels and A's that he found with his other 3 teams. 

 

Granted free agency once again after the 1985 season, he returned to the Yankees for his final 4 seasons, until they released him in May 1989. 

 

John appeared in 760 games over 26 seasons, making 700 starts and compiling a 288-231 record while striking out 2245 batters.