Frank Jobe | |
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![]() Jobe at Dodger Stadium in 2008 | |
Born | Frank Wilson Jobe July 16, 1925 |
Died | March 6, 2014 Santa Monica, California, U.S. | (aged 88)
Education | La Sierra University Loma Linda University |
Occupation | Orthopedic surgeon |
Known for | Inventor of Tommy John surgery |
Spouse | Beverly Jobe |
Children | 4 |
Frank Wilson Jobe (July 16, 1925 – March 6, 2014) was an American orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. Jobe pioneered both elbow ligament replacement and major reconstructive shoulder surgery for baseball players.
In 1974, Jobe performed the first "Tommy John surgery" on then-Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tommy John. The procedure has become so prevalent an estimated one-third of all major league pitchers have undergone it.[1] Jobe also performed the first major reconstructive shoulder surgery on a big league player in 1990, which allowed Dodger star Orel Hershiser to continue his career. Jobe served as a special medical adviser to the Dodgers until his death.
According to an ESPN study last season of 124 active pitchers, one-third had undergone the procedure