Pioneering 'Tommy John' surgeon Jobe dead at 88

Pioneering 'Tommy John' surgeon Jobe dead at 88 Pioneering 'Tommy John' surgeon Jobe dead at 88 | Reuters (Reuters) - Dr. Frank Jobe, who pioneered the 'Tommy John' elbow surgery that has prolonged the careers of athletes in a variety of sports,... More

Pioneering 'Tommy John' surgeon Jobe dead at 88 Pioneering 'Tommy John' surgeon Jobe dead at 88 | Reuters (Reuters) - Dr. Frank Jobe, who pioneered the 'Tommy John' elbow surgery that has prolonged the careers of athletes in a variety of sports, particularly baseball, has died at the age of 88. In 1974, orthopedic surgeon Jobe transplanted a tendon to replace a torn left elbow ligament of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tommy John. The groundbreaking surgery was successful and John's subsequent comeback lasted 14 years, setting such a precedent for future patients that the surgery bears his name. "He pitched a great game," tweeted John. "He was a great surgeon but a better person. Many pitchers owe their lives to Dr. Frank Jobe." Dodgers President Stan Kasten was among those to pay tribute: "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 Less