There was once a time when soreness in a pitcher’s elbow meant the end of a career. When many young promising fireballers were derailed by an injury to a small ligament in their elbow, never to be able to throw a ball the same way again. Then along came Dr. Frank Jobe, and the game of baseball was never the same again.
We at LWOS have some sad news to pass along this evening, as Tommy John surgery pioneer Dr. Frank Jobe has passed away at the age of 88.
Jobe worked as official team surgeon for the Los Angeles Dodgers for over 50 years. He is most famous for performing the first-ever ulnar collateral ligament reconstructive elbow surgery on left-handed pitcher Tommy John. The procedure was done nearly 40 years ago, on September 25, 1974. While it was a last-ditch effort to save his career, John went on to pitch 14 more seasons in the major leagues.
The procedure sees a torn ulnar collateral ligament replaced with a tendon harvested from somewhere else in the body. Often this tendon comes from the opposite forearm, however, it can also sometimes be harvested from the knee. The idea that a tendon could replace a ligament was revolutionary.
The procedure, would become known as Tommy John surgery. It has been used by countless doctors, and performed on countless pitchers who have blown out their elbows since. Prior to the invention of this revolutionary treatment, the careers of these pitchers would have been over. It is true that Jobe’s innovation has changed the sport.
Here’s a statement from Dodgers president Stan Kasten:
“Frank Jobe is a Hall of Famer in every sense of the word. His dedication and professionalism in not only helping the Dodgers, but athletes around the world is unparalleled. He was a medical giant and pioneer and many athletes in the past and the future can always thank Frank for finding a way to continue their careers.”
MLB commissioner Bud Selig has also released a statement:
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Dr. Frank Jobe, a great gentleman whose work in Baseball revolutionized sports medicine. Since 1974, his groundbreaking Tommy John surgery has revitalized countless careers, especially those of our pitchers. His wisdom elevated not only the Dodgers, the franchise he served proudly for a half-century, but all of our Clubs.”
“Dr. Jobe’s expertise, as well as his enthusiasm to mentor his peers, made the National Pastime stronger. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Dr. Jobe’s family, friends, Dodger colleagues and the many admirers of his pioneering spirit throughout our game.”
Jobe was honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown last July for the groundbreaking surgery. However he is not a “hall of famer.” Many, including this writer believe he deserves such an honor for the sheer impact he has had on the sport.
The thoughts and prayers of the LWOS community go out to Jobe’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who mourn his passing today.
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