Overview
- The New York Yankees posted an emotional goodbye letter from 83‑year‑old Tommy John on Saturday, Aug. 8, saying he could not attend the team’s Old‑Timers’ Day because he is battling health issues from his home in Bradenton, Florida.
- The Yankees’ statement said John recently underwent treatment for a recurrence of bladder cancer and is continuing to receive care at home.
- Multiple news outlets, citing reporters such as Bob Nightengale and others, have reported that John is currently in hospice care at his Bradenton residence, a detail the club’s brief release did not elaborate on.
- In the letter John thanked Dr. Frank Jobe and credited the 1974 ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction — now called “Tommy John surgery” — with saving his pitching career and extending thousands of other pitchers’ careers.
- John’s note and the hospice reports have renewed focus on his 26‑year major league career, which included 288 wins and 760 appearances, and may prompt further tributes and official updates from the Yankees and his family.