Frank Jobe

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Frank Wilson Jobe (born July 16, 1925) is an American orthopedic surgeon and the co-founder, along with Dr. Robert Kerlan, of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. In 1974, Jobe performed the first ever Tommy John surgery on then big league pitcher Tommy John. Jobe currently serves as a Special Adviser to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Early life

Frank Jobe was born in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1925. At 18, he joined the United States Army. In World War II, Jobe served as a medical staff sergeant in the Army's 101st Airborne Division.

Career

After the war, Jobe completed his undergraduate degree at La Sierra University and went on to attend medical school at Loma Linda University. He did his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Los Angeles County Hospital.[1]

Following the completion of his residency, Jobe teamed with Dr. Kerlan to specialize in the immature field of sports medicine. The duo co-founded the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in 1965, and there they supervised the medical treatment for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Rams, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the California Angels, and eventually the Los Angeles Kings, the Anaheim Ducks, as well as a number of other professional and amateur athletes from across the country.[2]

On September 25, 1974, Jobe made sports medicine history when he invented and performed the first ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, or what has become commonly known as Tommy John surgery, on Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tommy John. The surgery has since become common practice for pitchers and players at all levels of baseball.

Jobe serves as Clinical Professor, Department of Orthopedics, for The Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. For 40 years Dr. Jobe served as the team physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he currently is a special advisor to the chairman for the Dodger Organization. He has also been the orthopedic consultant for the PGA and Champions Tours for 26 years and has been named the emeritus physician for the PGA Tour.[2]

To date, Dr. Jobe has authored over 140 medical publications and 30 book chapters and has edited a total of seven books. He has received three Honorary Doctorate Awards, two from the United States and one from Japan.[2]

Tommy John Surgery

Tommy John, in 2008.

At the time of Tommy John's operation, Jobe put his chances of returning to pitch at 1 in 100. In 2009, prospects of a complete recovery had risen to 85-92 percent.[3]

Following his 1974 surgery, John spent 18 months rehabilitating his arm before returning for the 1976 season. Prior to his surgery, John had won 124 games. He won 164 games after surgery, retiring in 1989 at age 46.

For baseball players, full rehabilitation takes about one year for pitchers and about six months for position players. Players typically begin throwing about 16 weeks after surgery.[4]

The initial Tommy John Surgery, John's return to pitching success, and the relationship between the two men was the subject of a 2013 ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts documentary.[5]

Hall of Fame Consideration

For some time, Dr. Jobe's name has been tossed around informally as worthy of a nomination for the National Baseball Hall of Fame by sportswriters, fans, and players alike.[6][7][8] In August 2012, an official campaign website to have Dr. Frank Jobe honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame was launched.

On March 15, 2013, the Hall of Fame announced that Dr. Jobe will be honored during Hall of Fame weekend on July 27. Tommy John will attend the ceremony to help honor Dr. Jobe for his impact on the sport.

Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson said Dr. Jobe's work is a testament to the positive role of medicine in baseball's growth.

References

  1. ↑ Dilbeck, Steve (1999-09-24). "Miracle Worker; Dr. Jobe Gives Players Back Their Arms". Daily News. Retrieved 2012-07-19. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Biography". drjobehof.org. Retrieved 2012-09-10. 
  3. ↑ Rosenhek, Eric (2009-07-01). "The gory details of Tommy John surgery". The Good Point. Retrieved 2006-07-03. 
  4. ↑ Dodd, Mike (2003-07-29). "A year of rehab for Tommy John patients". USA Today. 
  5. ↑ Grantland staff (July 23, 2013). "30 for 30 Shorts: Tommy and Frank". Grantland. Retrieved August 17, 2013. 
  6. ↑ Hoffarth, Tom (2012-04-24). "What would it take for Dr. Frank Jobe to knife his way into the Baseball Hall of Fame?". Daily News. Retrieved 2012-09-10. 
  7. ↑ Isidore, Chris (2007-07-27). "Surgeon should make Cooperstown 'cut'". CNN Money. Retrieved 2012-09-10. 
  8. ↑ Lopresti, Mike (2010-07-19). "Cooperstown needs to take another look at these influences on the game". USA Today. Retrieved 2012-09-10. 
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