Tommy John misses Old-Timers' Day to continue cancer treatment

August 8, 2026 - 19:46

NEW YORK - Tommy John, the former pitcher whose name became synonymous with the groundbreaking elbow surgery that saved countless careers, will not be at Yankee Stadium this weekend. Instead of joining the festivities for Old-Timers' Day on Saturday, John is continuing his ongoing treatment for cancer, a fight he addressed in a heartfelt message to the team and its fans.

In a statement released ahead of the event, John expressed his gratitude to the Yankees organization and the broader baseball community for their unwavering support during this difficult time. He made it clear that while he would love to be in the Bronx, his health must come first. The 81-year-old has been a staple at these gatherings for years, and his absence will certainly be felt by those who remember his impressive tenure with the club in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

John's legacy is unique. He won 288 games over a 26-year career, but it is the surgical procedure he underwent in 1974, which repaired a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm, that truly changed the game. The operation allowed him to pitch for another 14 seasons, and it has since become a standard procedure for pitchers at all levels. While he will be missed on the field this weekend, his health remains the priority.