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| Photo by USA Today |
Dr. Lewis Yocum, renowned sports orthopedist who performed surgeries on many of the biggest names in baseball, has passed away at the age of 65 after a year-long battle with liver cancer.
Yocum did the Tommy John surgeries for many Nationals players including Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, Lucas Giolito, and Sammy Solis. He also advised Danny Espinosa during his recovery this offseason from a torn rotator cuff.
Zimmermann spoke to reporters on Tuesday just minutes after learning of the news. He expressed gratitude for Yocum’s work in reconstructing his elbow in 2009.
“He saved my career,” Zimmermann said. “He was a great guy and obviously saved my career and I wouldn’t be here without him.”
Zimmermann said he sent Yocum a text message three days before hearing he had passed. Zimmermann had learned he was in the hospital and not doing well.
10 comments:
A great man. He will be missed.
Will Stras and JZimm be wearing black elbow bands the rest of the season in his honor?
I ave black arm band on
I hate cancer. Rest in Peace, Doc.
Will Stras and JZimm be wearing black elbow bands the rest of the season in his honor?
They should. Talk about an impact on the game and on the careers of individual players. Like Marvin Miller, the guy deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
Sometimes, the true stars in this sport do not wear a baseball uniform. RIP
I hope Yocum had a Protégé,
Very grateful to him, and for the care he gave. He should get into Cooperstown on the first ballot. If that's even possible.
" Like Marvin Miller, the guy deserves to be in the Hall of Fame."
Yocum didn't invent Tommy John surgery, he just performed it. The guy who invented the surgery, Dr. Frank Jobe, and Tommy John himself are not in the Hall of Fame. No way Yocum belongs there if they're not there first.
RIP Dr Yocum. I didn't know you but I'm saddened by your passing. Thank you for all you did for baseball.
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