Left-handed pitcher Tommy John earned 288 Wins over a 26 year career, the second longest in MLB history. Most notably, 164 of John's wins came AFTER he underwent the groundbreaking surgery which now bears his name. A 3-time 20 game winner, John twice led the league in Win-Loss % and led all of MLB in shutouts 3 times (1966, 1967, 1980). A 4 time All-Star, john received MVP votes in 2 seasons (1977 and 1979) and CY Young votes in 4 seasons (1977, 1978, 1979, 1980) including two #2 Cy Young finishes (1977 and 1979). An outstanding post-season pitcher, John posted a 6-3 record and a 2.65 ERA in the post-season, including a .69 ERA in the 1981 World Series. Only 22 pitchers in MLB history have recorded 285+ wins and 2,000+ strikeouts, and the only two of those pitchers not in the Hall of Fame are Roger Clemens and Tommy John. Beyond the field Tommy John's impact upon the game of baseball is incalculable as his pioneering surgery has saved countless careers including those of two Hall of Famers (Paul Molitor and John Smoltz) and future Hall of Famers Justin Verlander and Shohei Ohtani. Tommy John is on the 2025 Classic Baseball Era Committee Ballot, does he deserve enshrinement in Cooperstown?
