Baseball Community Honors Tommy John and Bids Farewell to Justin Verlander

Baseball is paying tribute to Tommy John, a pioneer in sports medicine, following his passing at age 83. His lasting impact is celebrated through the revolutionary ulnar collateral ligament surgery, which saved his own career and transformed the field of sports medicine. Over 2,500 pitchers have benefited from this procedure, underscoring its significance.

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel honors the legacy of Tommy John, highlighting how this breakthrough surgery has paved the way for countless athletes. The procedure, often referred to simply as ‘Tommy John surgery,’ has become a beacon of hope for pitchers looking to extend their careers.

Meanwhile, Detroit Tigers’ Justin Verlander marked the end of an illustrious career in an emotional final start at Comerica Park on September 26, 2026. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch facilitated a heartfelt farewell by sending Verlander’s daughter, Genevieve, to the mound to pull him from the game. This touching gesture brought tears to the eyes of both the veteran player and his fans.

Following his departure from the game, Verlander joined his family, including his wife, Kate Upton, and their second child, sharing a poignant moment with his teammates. The crowd at Comerica Park offered a standing ovation to honor the pitcher’s remarkable career, marked by a 95 mph fastball and six strikeouts during his final game.

Genevieve Verlander runs to hug her father, Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander, as catcher Dillon Dingler looks on during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sept. 26, 2026, in Detroit.

Verlander’s achievements include three Cy Young Awards, a Triple Crown, the 2011 American League MVP, and two World Series championships, making him a likely candidate for the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. His career represents the final chapter in the era of the workhorse starting pitcher, leaving a significant gap in baseball’s narrative.