Tommy John

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The legendary Dodgers and Yankees pitcher, Tommy John, passed away.

When I heard the news, I instantly thought about my first ever trip to Yankee Stadium.

It was an epic road trip.

Big Al accompanied me to the big city and we settled into our seats for Yankees-Red Sox.

Tommy John versus Roger Clemens.

It was the late 80’s and Tommy John was at the end of his great career.

Nearly 300 wins…

…but he didn’t get one that night!

He got absolutely hammered, and by the time he left the Yankees were down 8 runs.

The Yankees came back and won that game…

…but it’s about more than that.

Tommy John will be forever remembered as a great pitcher.

He will also be remembered for being the first to ever get Tommy John surgery.

The surgery is a common one now.

Nearly every pitcher in the league has had it by now.

Tommy John was the first.

Saved his career and has saved a lot of careers since.

More than a pitcher, Tommy John was also known around the sport as an all-around solid guy.

Just not that day!

He got lit up!!

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