Yankees mourn ‘longtime favorite’ Tommy John after his death at 83

The Yankees memorialized Tommy John on Sunday after the former pitcher died at 83 years old, releasing a statement in his memory.

“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 Yankee fans,” the statement read. “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.”

A portrait of former Yankees pitcher Tommy John, who died Saturday at the age of 83. MLB via Getty Images

John died Saturday night, having been in hospice care at his home in Bradenton, Fla. He released a farewell letter from hospice care for Old-Timer’s Day last weekend.

In addition to being the first pitcher to undergo surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament — the procedure now known as Tommy John surgery — the lefty also won 288 games across 26 seasons in the major leagues.

Eight of those were in New York, including back-to-back 20-win seasons in 1979 and ’80.

Tommy John is pictured with his wife Cheryl in a photo posted to Facebook on July 11, 2025. Facebook/Cheryl Zeldin John

John started two games and appeared in three in the 1981 World Series as well, giving up just one run in 13 innings in a series the Yankees would lose in six games to the Dodgers.

He also broadcasted with the Yankees, as well as the Twins, and managed the Staten Island Yankees in 2004.