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By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
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Tommy John's death at age 83 elicited tributes from two of his famous teammates on the New York Yankees teams of the 1980s.
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In a statement shared by the team, former Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly said "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Tommy John."
"Tommy and I were both from Indiana and shared a Midwest bond while playing in New York together," said Mattingly, now the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. "He was a great pitcher and the ultimate competitor. I offer my sincere condolences to his family, friends and all those who loved him."
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Willie Randolph, who played with John during the same era, echoed Mattingly's condolences.
"I have so many fond memories of Tommy, beginning with the years before he came to the Yankees, when we battled the Dodgers in the World Series," Randolph said in a statement released by the team. "He was a consummate pitcher — truly a craftsman on the mound. When he joined the Yankees, he moved nearby, and I had the pleasure to get to know him and his family.
"Tommy was always smiling, and so pleasant, polite, and good-natured. But on the field, he was a true competitor who never gave in. Players appreciate consistency in their teammates, and Tommy brought that to the clubhouse with his personality and to the mound as a pitcher."
More news: Tommy John Dies; Former Yankees Pitcher Became Famous for Surgery Success
"When you think about the numbers he accumulated and his status as a medical pioneer, I think he should be in the Hall of Fame," Randolph continued. "So many players have benefited from his example to go on to have great careers. Rest in peace, my friend. I will miss you."
John maintained a place on the Baseball Writers' Association of America Hall of Fame ballot every year from 1995-2009, the maximum period allowed by the institution. But he never received more than 32 percent of the vote, well short of the 75 percent needed for induction.
More news: Yankees’ Team Doctor Sends Heartfelt Message to Tommy John
The Yankees' current team physician, Dr. Chris Ahmad, was among those who paid tribute to John on Aug. 16.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Tommy John," Ahmad wrote on Twitter/X. "His courage changed baseball, transformed sports medicine and gave generations of injured athletes hope. Few people have shaped my life and career more profoundly. Rest in peace, Tommy. The game will never forget you."
According to a recent report, John had been undergoing treatments related to a recurrence of bladder cancer.
John pitched 760 major league games for the Cleveland Indians (1963-64), Chicago White Sox (1965-71), Dodgers (1972-78), New York Yankees (1979-82, 1986-89), California Angels (1982-85) and Oakland A’s (1985). He retired with a 288-231 record and 3.34 ERA (111 ERA+).
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