Tommy John, a former pitcher for the New York Yankees, issued a heartfelt message on Old-Timers’ Day, as he copes with health challenges in Florida.

John, aged 83, expressed his gratitude to the Yankees organization, the Steinbrenner family, and fans who supported him during his remarkable 26-year career. He thanked Dr. Jobe, the surgeon responsible for the procedure that extended his playing years and aided many other pitchers over the decades.

“I want to thank the Yankees organization & the Steinbrenner family for giving me this opportunity to say goodbye to everyone, along with all the friends & fans who followed me throughout my 26-year career,” John’s message read.

Tommy John underwent the transformative surgery in 1974, missing the 1975 season but returning as a three-time All-Star. He won over 160 games post-surgery and concluded his career as a four-time All-Star, spending eight seasons with the Yankees.

Over the course of his career, John also played for the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels, Cleveland Indians, and Oakland Athletics, achieving a career 3.34 ERA and 2,245 strikeouts.

Recalling advice from his father, John said: The day I left for my first job as a pitcher, my father looked at me & said, ‘Good luck, Tommy. Just remember one thing: whether you make it big in the big leagues or you don’t, you’ll always just be Tommy John from Terre Haute, Indiana.’

His message concludes with thanks and well wishes to everyone who supported him.