Thomas Edward John Jr.

Thomas Edward “Tommy John” John Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Lakewood Ranch, Florida under the care of his loving wife, Cheryl John, his sister-in-laws Judith Fiorentino and Karen Jorden both of Watertown, NY, his home health care givers, the hospice team and friends.

Born May 22, 1943, John—nicknamed “The Bionic Man” was an American professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 26 seasons between 1963 and 1989. He pitched for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels, Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees. John was a four-time MLB All-Star and held the distinction of having the second-most wins (288) among pitchers since 1900 not in the Hall of Fame. Known for his exceptional longevity, he was an Opening Day starter six—three with the White Sox (1966, 1970, 1971) and three with the Yankees (1981, 1982 and 1989).

John grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana. The son of Thomas Edward John Sr and Ruth Kathryn Woods John. As a youth, he often played sandlot ball with other kids, either at Spencer F. Ball Park or Woodrow Wilson field Arley Andrews, a former minor league pitcher and a friend of John's father, taught John to throw a curveball. John was an outstanding baseball and basketball player at Gerstmeyer High School in Terre Haute, Indiana. He had a 28–2 record as a pitcher. Athletics did not get in the way of his schoolwork, as John graduated as Gerstmeyer's 1961 valedictorian. School faculty forbade John from delivering a valedictory address because of his stutter. Several colleges recruited John as a basketball player, including the University of Kentucky, but John also caught the eye of Cleveland Indians' scout Johnny Schulte, who worried that John needed more of a fastball to succeed but considered his curveball already a major league pitch. John picked baseball and signed with the Indians after graduating, getting assigned to the Dubuque Packers of the Class D Midwest League. Tommy’s dream as a young boy was to pitch one day in the major leagues and with the love of his father and coach and hard work made Tommy’s dream come true. His dad told him early on “Tommy just remember one thing, whether you make it in the big leagues or you don’t, you will only be Tommy John from Terre Haute, Indiana, never forget that”. He has carried his dad’s words throughout his life.

At the age of 18, in 1961, John was signed by the Indians, who were impressed with his curveball. After three seasons in the minor leagues for them, he was called up for the first time in 1963. He pitched two seasons for Cleveland before getting traded to the White Sox, with whom he spent seven seasons. He established himself as a major league starter in 1965 and became Chicago's Opening Day starter in 1966. In 1968, he finished fifth in the American League (AL) with a 1.98 earned run average (ERA) and was named to his first All-Star team, though he missed the end of the season after he was injured in a fight with Dick McAuliffe. In 1971, pitching coach Johnny Sain tried to have John throw a slider more, but John had his highest ERA since 1964 and was traded to the Dodgers for Dick Allen after the season. He won 11 games in 1972 with the Dodgers, then led the National League (NL) in winning percentage over the next two seasons (.696 in 1973 and .813 in 1974). In 1974, though, he suffered a potentially career-ending injury when he tore his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in a game against the Montreal Expos. Dr. Jobe and Tommy knew there was only a one per cent chance of it being a success and Tommy looked at Dr. Jobe and said “Let’s Do It”! He missed the 1975 season recovering from surgery, but he became the first pitcher to successfully return to baseball following such surgery. "Tommy John" surgery has since become a common procedure among baseball pitchers, with 35.3% of MLB pitchers who were active in 2023 having received it at some point during their careers. Tommy proudly served his country in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1964-1970. His service reflected his dedication, courage, and commitment to others, values he carried with him throughout his life.

John was known as a kind, good-natured gentleman admired by many. After seven years together, Tommy John and Cheryl Zeldin John married on January 15, 2021, in LaQuinta, California. He loved his life so much in LaQuinta playing golf with his wife and dear friends Larry and Nancy Haggarety. He loved playing in celebrity pro ams, doing charity events, little league dinners and baseball signings or just enjoying an evening out with his friends. Tommy and Cheryl traveled extensively prior to covid visiting family, friends and many of his fans that became true friends to him.

Tommy went back to his hometown of Terre Haute, IN many times to support the Historical Museum and baseball games. In October 2013, they dedicated the “Tommy John Field” in his honor. The Board of Education brought him back to Gerstmeyer High School in 2014 to deliver the Valedictorian address that he was denied giving in 1961 due to his stutter. In June of 2022, Tommy donated the original arm cast from the “Tommy John” surgery to the National Museum of American History of the Smithsonian Institution.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl John and three children by his first marriage, Tamara Mannelly, Thomas Edward John III and Travis John. His loving sister Marilyn Ruth John Hyde, two grandchildren, Tyler Mannelly, Braydon John and many nieces and nephews. Tommy is predeceased by his beloved father, Thomas Edward John Sr., his mother Ruth Kathryn Woods John and his youngest son Taylor Simmons John.

A Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm, with brief remarks at 2:30 pm, at Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center, 4310 Solutions Lane, Bradenton, FL In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: www.Duke.is/TommyJohnFund.com

Please email Cheryl John if you are planning on attending: [email protected]