Salute to Tommy John

Never before to my knowledge has a ball player and a medical procedure become synonymous. In fact, Tommy John has become better known for the UCL reconstruction done on his left arm than for what he did with that left arm both before and after his surgery.

He began his Major League career with the Cleveland Indians in 1963, and then with the White Sox. However he is most remembered for his years with the Dodgers. beginning in 1972. His 1974 season, with a record of 13-3, came to a halt when he damaged the ulnar collateral ligament in his left arm. Dr. Frank Jobe, the Dodgers team physician, devised a procedure using a tendon from John's right arm to repair the damaged ligament in his left. Tommy John returned to pitching at the Major League level in 1976 and continued to play until 1989.

The procedure that Dr. Jobe pioneered was so successful that over 100 Major League players have since had 'Tommy John' surgery. However the notoriety that came with having his name associated with the surgical procedure has overshadowed one of the better pitching careers in baseball. A four time All-Star, John ranks high on many of the career stats and often lead the league or was in the top ten in many important categories.

Even more important, today is his 65th birthday. Happy Birthday Tommy John!