Famed ex-Yankees pitcher Tommy John dead at 83 after sending farewell message to fans

Bret Boone tells Dan Dakich about his experience watching his brother Aaron Boone manage the Yankees.

Tommy John, the former MLB pitcher whose elbow surgery set the standard in baseball and helped lengthen the careers of countless players, has died. He was 83.

Mike Maguire, his agent, announced John’s death in a statement.

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Tommy John of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout before a Major League Baseball game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., circa 1987. (Getty Images)

"Thomas Edward ‘Tommy’ John Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Lakewood Ranch last night surrounded by his loving wife, Cheryl, and his sister-in-laws Judith Florentino and Karen Jordan," the statement read.

"A private celebration of life will be held in Florida."

John’s death comes about a week after he released a farewell message to fans on New York Yankees’ Old-Timers’ Day.

He said in his message he was "saying goodbye" as the team revealed he had been battling health issues.

"I want to thank the Yankees organization & the Steinbrenner family for giving me this opportunity to say goodbye to everyone, along with all the friends & fans who followed me throughout my 26-year career," John’s message read.

"Thanks to Dr. Jobe, who saved my arm & made it possible for me to continue pitching. That surgery has since gone on to save the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today.

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Tommy John of the New York Yankees pitches in a Major League Baseball game against the Oakland Athletics on May 18, 1989, at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. John was 46 years old