Major League Baseball

Tommy John gets another chance at Hall of Fame

Published Nov. 16, 2010 6:39 p.m. ET

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To some, Tommy John is best known for the surgery that carries his name.

Next month, he hopes to add another distinction - Hall of Fame pitcher.

John, who went 288-231 in a 26-season career that ended in 1989, is on the 12-man Veterans Committee ballot. Former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, former manager Billy Martin and one-time players' union head Marvin Miller are among those also eligible for the Hall.

Voting results will be announced Dec. 6 at baseball's winter meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

''It would mean more to me getting in, being voted in my peers,'' John said Tuesday while taking part in a Yankees' fantasy camp. ''I'll be Tommy John whether I get in or I don't get in. If I get in, I'll be a happy camper.''

The results will come on son Travis' 32nd birthday.

''I would call him and say, 'Send the gifts that I sent you back,''' John said with a laugh. ''It would be neat to have that come out on his birthday. It would be a good birthday present.''

John hurt his left elbow in 1974 and it was feared the injury would end his career. He underwent what was considered a revolutionary ligament replacement procedure later that year, returned in 1976 and kept pitching.

Tommy John surgery has helped dozens of top players resume their careers at a top level over the years.

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