Tommy John, who broke his left thumb...

Tommy John, who broke his left thumb when he fell during practice Wednesday, will not pitch again this year. The 43-year-old New York Yankees pitcher slipped while throwing in the bullpen in Oakland, and his thumb was bent back as he hit the ground.

John flew to Los Angeles and had the injury examined by Dr. Herbert Stark, who specializes in hand problems. John, 5-3 this season had annnounced that he will retire at the end of the season and has accepted a coaching job effective next year at the University of North Carolina. Thursday, however, he said he might consider pitching one more season.