Jamie Moyer has successful Tommy John Surgery

Jamie Moyer had Tommy John ligament replacement surgery today in New York by orthopedist David Altchek.

The lefty is eyeing a return to the mound for the 2012 season… at the age of 49.

“Thanks to the advances in surgery many pitchers have made successful returns to the mound after undergoing surgery similar to mine,” Moyer said in a statement. “I look forward to the challenge of making a comeback for the 2012 season. I love this game and I still believe I can be a successful pitcher in the big leagues. Prior to the injury I was feeling great and throwing well. I want to thank everyone for the kind words and good wishes.”

Moyer went 9-9 with a 4.84 ERA during the 2010 season before injuring his pitching elbow in a July 20th start against the Cardinals. He elected not to have surgery at the time of the injury and attempted to rehab his elbow.

Could this be the last pitch of Jamie Moyer's career?

However, last month Moyer’s return to a big league mound was put on hold once again when he re-injured his elbow during his third start in the Dominican Republic for Winter Ball.

The free agent pitcher is 267-204 lifetime with a 4.24 ERA over his 24 year big league career. His longevity has been incredible and Moyer will need to reach into the fountain of youth one more time if he hopes to step on a big league mound again.

Thanks to Jim Caple of ESPN for this picture from three years ago.  Who knows how true it will end up being?

The ageless one's Hall of Fame Plaque