Alumni weekend at Dodger Stadium brought together 41 living players, executives, and broadcasters, including notable names such as Sandy Koufax, Jaime Jarrin, and Peter O’Malley. However, the most famous name in the crowd was Tommy John, an 81-year-old pitcher who appeared in parts of 26 seasons from 1963 to 1989. John is best known as the first recipient of the ligament-replacement surgery that now bears his name, revolutionizing the way pitchers recover from elbow injuries. While the surgery has saved countless careers, it also frustrates fans who have to wait patiently for their favorite players to return to the field after a long recovery period. The Dodgers, in particular, have faced a string of tough luck with their pitchers needing Tommy John surgery, including River Ryan, who recently became the latest to require the procedure after just four starts in the major leagues.
In the last four seasons, the Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Oakland A’s have all had six major league pitchers undergo Tommy John surgery, according to Jon Roegele’s master database. The Angels’ list includes Shohei Ohtani, who underwent the procedure last year and is still unable to pitch. Other teams with a significant number of Tommy John surgeries include the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays, each with five apiece. The Dodgers will also join this list once River Ryan undergoes his procedure. Notably, some teams, such as the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Francisco Giants, have not had a major league pitcher undergo the surgery since 2022. The Cardinals are the only team to have not had any pitchers at the major or minor league level undergo the procedure in that time frame.
Tommy John’s legacy goes beyond his impressive career as a pitcher, extending into the realm of sports medicine. Dr. Frank Jobe, the Dodgers’ team surgeon, pioneered the ligament-replacement surgery in 1974, setting a new standard for treating pitchers with elbow injuries. The procedure, now commonly known as Tommy John surgery, requires 12 to 18 months of recovery time and has become a rite of passage for many pitchers looking to extend their careers. While the surgery has been a game-changer for the industry, it also underscores the risks and challenges faced by professional athletes as they navigate their careers and seek to overcome injuries that could potentially derail their dreams.
The prevalence of Tommy John surgeries among major league pitchers highlights the demanding nature of the sport and the toll it takes on players’ bodies. While the surgery has become more routine over the years, it remains a significant setback for athletes who must navigate the lengthy recovery process to return to form. The Dodgers, in particular, have faced a wave of injuries requiring Tommy John surgery, adding to their fans’ frustrations as they watch key players go through the rehabilitation process. As the list of players needing the surgery continues to grow across different teams, it underscores the challenges faced by professional athletes as they strive to stay healthy and perform at the highest level in a highly competitive environment.
Despite the challenges posed by injuries and the subsequent surgeries, the resilience of athletes like Tommy John serves as an inspiration to others facing similar setbacks. John’s legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments on the field, with his name now synonymous with a medical procedure that has revolutionized the treatment of elbow injuries in sports. As pitchers continue to undergo Tommy John surgery and make their way back to the mound, they carry on the tradition set by John and Dr. Jobe, illustrating the resilience and determination required to overcome adversity in pursuit of their passion for the game. The enduring impact of Tommy John surgery on the world of baseball serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of sports medicine and the unwavering spirit of athletes who refuse to let injuries define their careers.
