Los Angeles – Tommy John, the MLB pitcher who underwent a pioneering elbow surgery that later saved the careers of countless hurlers, has died at the age of 83.

The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers were two of John’s former clubs offering condolences after he died at his home in Bradenton, Florida, where he had received hospice care after a recurrence of bladder cancer.

“We are saddened to hear the news of Tommy John’s passing today,” Dodgers president Stan Kasten said in a statement.