Anaheim, CA – The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Tuesday announced the passing of Dr. Lewis Yocum, a pioneer in the field of orthopedic surgery who prolonged the careers of numerous pitchers.
The 66-year-old passed after a battle with liver cancer.
Yocum based his practice at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic, whose operations span most of southern California, and also served as the team physician for the Halos.
His specialty was the ulnar collateral ligament replacement procedure, known as "Tommy John" surgery after Dr. Frank Jobe, who created the operation back in 1974 to help the then-Dodgers pitcher resume his career.
"The Angels family and MLB have lost one of baseball's finest gentlemen and truly outstanding professionals with the passing of Dr. Yocum," the team said in a statement. "Dr. Yocum's impact in the medical field will long be remembered across the country. The list of careers he extended is endless."
Yocum's last high-profile UCL surgery was performed on Washington starter Stephen Strasburg back in 2010.
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