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The Campaign

Dr. Jobe for HOF

Our mission is to boost awareness for the outstanding contributions that Dr. Frank Jobe has made to the sport of baseball for over half a century as both a world-class physician as well as a legendary mentor. Through his research, leadership, and commitment, Dr. Jobe has cared for countless baseball players himself and trained hundreds of other physicians in order to help spread his advanced understanding of the biomechanics and best physical therapy practices of America’s favorite pastime. His work has inspired many, both on and off the field, and we believe that his legacy should be honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

While his legacy and influence extends far beyond a single surgery, Dr. Jobe is perhaps best known for performing the first ever elbow UCL reconstruction in 1974 on Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tommy John. The procedure, now commonly known as Tommy John Surgery, has become standard practice for ailing baseball players on every level, most notably pitchers. Dr. Jobe’s revolutionary procedure is directly responsible for saving the careers of thousands of professional players that would have otherwise been cut short. In addition, though it is often overshadowed by Tommy John surgery, the landmark procedure that Dr. Jobe performed on Orel Hershiser’s unstable shoulder (labrial repair) that made use of suture anchors forever changed the way such shoulder surgeries are performed. Even further, Dr. Jobe has been an innovator and mentor to an entire generation of sports doctors who have furthered the development of techniques for training, rehabilitation strategies for injured players, and youth baseball standards throughout the world.

Dr. Jobe for HOF

While the MLB Hall of Fame primarily honors retired star players, it also recognizes outstanding coaches, umpires and pioneers. The list of previously inducted pioneers includes Henry Chawick, a sportswriter who invented the box score, and Rodger Bresnahan, a former catcher who helped develop shin guards and batting helmets. It is undeniable that Dr. Jobe is a pioneer as well, as many players, coaches, and enthusiasts would attest. Our goal is to bring much-deserved attention to the efforts of Dr. Jobe, a brilliant yet selfless and humble pioneer who has happily flown under the radar and let others have the spotlight. His groundbreaking surgery has allowed thousands of players to continue playing at a high level and it is truly impossible to imagine baseball without the long list of players who owe their extended careers to Dr. Jobe. He has undoubtedly had a revolutionary and positive impact on America’s favorite pastime, and he deserves to be recognized for his powerful contributions in Cooperstown.

 

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