Dr. Frank Jobe Did a Good Job Today 41 Years Ago - What Does That Have to Do With Two of My Brothers?

A well-known baseball player was operated on today by Dr. Frank Jobe.  This pitcher had two first names.  Is that enough information to figure out who I am talking about?

Jobe took a tendon from the right wrist of this pitcher and used it to repair hit left arm.  This procedure has become commonplace for athletes.

My two youngest brothers, Thomas and John, just happen to be named after this pitcher.  Even though he won 288 games, including 164 of them after having his elbow surgically repaired, Tommy John is better known for the surgical procedure that bears his name than he is for pitching.

There is even an ESPN 30 for 30 about this surgery and John's rehab.

John missed all of the 1975 season after this surgery.

He won 20 games three times after the surgery and never before it.  He was a five-time all-star with four of them being post surgery.  He garnered Cy Young votes in four seasons with all of them being after the rehab.

I read something that said nearly one-third of current MLB pitchers have had Tommy John surgery.  I'm mot sure that I believe that and I don't have the time to confirm those numbers. 

Others who have had successful Tommy John surgery include - Mariano Rivera, Kerry Wood, John Smoltz, Jose Rijo and Steven Strasburg.