You Know What "tommy John" Is, But Do You Know Why It's "tommy John"?

Tommy John, a left-handed pitcher with a solid career in Major League Baseball (MLB), found himself at a crossroads in 1974. At the time, he was playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Tommy had built a reputation as a reliable pitcher, but during a game on July 17, 1974, he felt a sudden, sharp pain in his elbow while throwing a pitch against the Montreal Expos. Little did he know, this moment would become a significant turning point in baseball history.

The Discovery and Diagnosis

The pain in Tommy’s left elbow was debilitating, and he was immediately pulled from the game. Initial medical evaluations suggested a grim prognosis: his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) was severely damaged. At the time, such an injury was considered career-ending for pitchers. However, Tommy was determined to find a solution that would allow him to continue playing the game he loved.

Enter Dr. Frank Jobe

Tommy John sought the expertise of Dr. Frank Jobe, an orthopedic surgeon working with the Dodgers. Dr. Jobe proposed a radical and unprecedented solution: reconstructive surgery on the UCL using a tendon graft from Tommy’s forearm. This type of surgery had never been performed on a professional baseball player before, and it was uncertain whether it would succeed.

On September 25, 1974, Dr. Jobe performed the pioneering surgery on Tommy John. The procedure involved replacing the damaged ligament in Tommy’s elbow with a tendon from his right wrist. The surgery itself was a gamble, but Tommy’s determination and Dr. Jobe’s surgical skill paved the way for what would become a landmark moment in sports medicine.

The surgery is named after Tommy John not because he invented it, but because he was the first high-profile athlete to undergo the procedure and return to a successful career. Dr. Jobe’s groundbreaking operation and Tommy John’s subsequent recovery and return to baseball gave the surgery its eponymous title: Tommy John Surgery.

After the surgery, Tommy John faced a grueling and uncertain rehabilitation process. He missed the entire 1975 season but remained committed to his recovery. Remarkably, Tommy made his comeback in the 1976 season, and it was a successful one. He not only returned to pitch for the Dodgers but went on to have an even more impressive second act of his career.

Tommy John’s career post-surgery included 164 more victories, bringing his total to 288 wins by the time he retired in 1989. His successful return to baseball after such a significant surgery was nothing short of miraculous and demonstrated the potential for athletes to recover from severe injuries.

Tommy John Surgery has since become a common procedure for pitchers suffering from UCL injuries. Dr. Frank Jobe’s innovative technique has saved countless careers in baseball and other sports. Today, the surgery is a testament to medical advancement and the resilience of athletes, with Tommy John’s story serving as a source of inspiration for those facing similar challenges.

1. Initial Recovery Phase (1974-1975):

   • Tommy John spent the remainder of 1974 recovering from the surgery. He was advised to keep his arm immobilized and avoid any strenuous activity that could jeopardize the healing process.
   • Throughout 1975, Tommy John was unable to pitch, and the Dodgers placed him on the disabled list for the entire season.

2. Rehabilitation and Conditioning (1976):

   • In early 1976, Tommy John began a rigorous rehabilitation program designed to rebuild strength and flexibility in his elbow. The process involved physical therapy, exercises, and gradually increasing the intensity of his throwing sessions.
   • By mid-1976, he was cleared to begin light pitching. His throwing program was carefully monitored, with incremental increases in pitch counts and intensity.

3. Return to the Mound:

   • Remarkably, Tommy John made his return to the major leagues in August 1976. He pitched in several games that season, showcasing his recovery and proving that the surgery had been a success.

Overall, Tommy John’s recovery took approximately 18 months from surgery to his return to the major leagues. His determination, combined with Dr. Frank Jobe’s groundbreaking surgery, allowed him to return to a level of play that many had deemed impossible. 

His comeback not only extended his career but also set a precedent for the surgical procedure now known as Tommy John Surgery.

–Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor