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Dodgers Doctor Behind Tommy John Surgery Dies At 88

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) - The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced that Dr. Frank Jobe, a legendary figure in the world of sports, has died Thursday morning in Santa Monica at the age of 88.

Jobe, who's been with the Dodgers for the past 50 years, was a trailblazer in field of athletic surgery, but will likely be remembered as the man who prolonged the careers of over 250 baseball players.

"Frank Jobe is a Hall of Famer in every sense of the word," said Dodger President Stan Kasten. "His dedication and professionalism in not only helping the Dodgers, but athletes around the world is unparalleled. He was a medical giant and pioneer and many athletes in the past and the future can always thank Frank for finding a way to continue their careers."

Dr. Jobe's name became synonymous with injured pitchers 40 years ago when he revolutionized elbow ligament reconstruction with a procedure that is known worldwide as Tommy John surgery.

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Dr. Frank Jobe, a great gentleman whose work in Baseball revolutionized sports medicine," said Baseball Commissioner Allan "Bud" Selig. "Since 1974, his groundbreaking Tommy John surgery has revitalized countless careers, especially those of our pitchers. His wisdom elevated not only the Dodgers, the franchise he served proudly for a half-century, but all of our Clubs."

He is survived by his wife, Beverly, four sons - Christopher, Meredith, Cameron and Blair - and eight grand children.

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