Tommy John Shares Emotional Farewell Message to Yankees Fans

The New York Yankees recently held their 78th annual Old-Timer's Day at Yankee Stadium to celebrate former franchise legends and World Series champions. Former starting pitcher Tommy John, who is currently in hospice care following a long battle with bladder cancer, did not attend the event. However, John delivered an emotional farewell message to the Yankees organization and its fans.

John reminisced about the first-ever Tommy John surgery he underwent in 1974, which has since become a life-saving procedure for numerous star pitchers. He expressed gratitude to his surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, as well as former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and the fans who supported him throughout his 26-year career. John thanked everyone for the opportunity to say goodbye to the team and the dedicated fans who followed him through his illustrious career.

John's tenure with the Yankees included two stints from 1979-1982 and again from 1986-1989, where he became a four-time All-Star. He fondly remembered his father's words before his first pitching job, reminding him to always be known as "Tommy John from Terre Haute, Indiana." Despite the challenges he faced, John remains grateful for the support he received during his remarkable 26-year career.