The passing of Tommy John at 83 has led to heartfelt tributes from his former New York Yankees teammates of the 1980s. Don Mattingly, previously a first baseman for the Yankees and now the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, shared his sorrow in a statement from the team. I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend, Tommy John, said Mattingly. Tommy and I were both Indiana natives who formed a Midwest bond while playing together in New York. He was a remarkable pitcher and the ultimate competitor. My sincere condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who loved him.

Another teammate, Willie Randolph, expressed similar sentiments. I have countless fond memories of Tommy, especially from the years before he joined the Yankees, during our World Series battles with the Dodgers, said Randolph in a team-released statement. He was a consummate pitcher, a true craftsman on the mound. When he became a Yankee, he moved nearby, and I had the pleasure of knowing him and his family personally. Tommy was always cheerful, polite, and good-natured, yet fiercely competitive on the field. His consistency on and off the field was appreciated by all his teammates.

Adding to the tributes, Randolph highlighted John’s instrumental role in setting an example for future players. When you consider his career achievements and his pioneering status in sports medicine, I believe he deserves a place in the Hall of Fame. Many have benefited from his legacy, leading to successful careers, he continued. Despite being on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America Hall of Fame ballot from 1995 to 2009, John never attained the 75% vote needed for induction, peaking at 32%.

Dr. Chris Ahmad, the Yankees’ current team doctor, also paid tribute to John on August 16. I am deeply saddened by Tommy John’s passing, Ahmad wrote on social media. His courage transformed baseball and sports medicine, offering hope to generations of injured athletes. Few have impacted my life and career as much as he has. Rest in peace, Tommy. The game will never forget you.

Recently, a report indicated that John had been undergoing treatments for a recurrence of bladder cancer. His illustrious baseball career included pitching in 760 major league games for teams such as the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and California Angels, besides the Yankees. He retired with a 288-231 record and a 3.34 ERA, leaving a lasting legacy on and off the field.