Tommy John at 81

Happy 81st birthday today to Tommy John, who thanks to his own then-revolutionary arm surgery in 1974 with Dr. Frank Jobe helps saves a countless number of pitching careers from high school to the major leagues.

John is one of the game's most consistent left-handers before the ligament transplant surgery during his 12th season in the majors.

He is even better afterward – totaling 164 of his 288 career victories in 14 post-op seasons.

Should be in the Hall of Fame. Maybe one day.