Key Takeaway
The left-handed MLB pitcher was 31 years old when he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow in 1974, an injury that had been a death knell for pitchers' careers up to that point.
Published August 16, 2026 · Category: News
Overview
The left-handed MLB pitcher was 31 years old when he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow in 1974, an injury that had been a death knell for pitchers' careers up to that point.
Details
(Image credit: Damian Dovarganes)
Source
Originally published at www.npr.org.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Tommy John, namesake for a pioneering elbow surgery that saved his career, dies at 83" about?+
The left-handed MLB pitcher was 31 years old when he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow in 1974, an injury that had been a death knell for pitchers' careers up to that point.
Who reported this story?+
This story was reported by NPR News.