Tommy John, whose major league career was extended after he became the first player to undergo the elbow surgery that now carries his name, has died. He was 83.

Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Tommy John, a former major league pitcher whose career spanned 26 years and was the first to return to the game successfully following pioneering elbow surgery, has died, the MLB announced Sunday.

Tommy John, who won 288 games during a 26-year MLB career and became the first pitcher to successfully return following groundbreaking elbow surgery that later was named after him, has died at age 83.

Tommy John, the pitching great known for the surgery that bears his name, has died at 83.

Tommy John released a heartfelt farewell message on Yankees Old-Timers' Day just one week before his death, thanking Dr. Jobe and fans.

The Yankees memorialized Tommy John on Sunday after the former pitcher died at 83 years old, releasing a statement in his memory.

Legendary New York Yankees star Tommy John has died. He was 83.

Tommy John, who won 288 games during a 26-year big league career and became the first pitcher to successfully return following groundbreaking elbow surgery that later was named after him, has died. He

Here are five of the most impactful Tommy John surgery recoveries in baseball history.

After a difficult battle with cancer, MLB icon Tommy John has died at the age of 83. Meanwhile, know more about his final letter to his fans.