Former MLB Pitcher Tommy Hanson passed away at the age of 29.
(mlb.com)
Former Major League pitcher Tommy Hanson slipped into a coma on Monday evening and died at just twenty-nine years old.
While it hasn’t been officially announced, reports are that Hanson passed away due to “catastrophic organ failure” after being rushed to the hospital on Sunday when he had trouble breathing and then slipped into a coma.
The right-handed pitcher was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 22nd round of the 2005 MLB Draft while playing at Riverside Community College. Hanson looked to have a promising career ahead of him as he was ranked one of the best prospects in the Braves Organization after being drafted.
He worked his way through the Braves’ Farm System and continued to impress those around him. At the start of the 2009 season he was ranked as the #1 Braves Prospect and was promoted from Triple-A Gwinnett to the Majors on June 3, 2009 when Tom Glavine was cut by Atlanta. Hanson made his Major League debut on June 7, 2009 pitching six innings, but got a no decision after allowing six runs in six innings. After a bit of a rough start he went on to go 4-0 with a 0.78 ERA proving that he was ready for the Majors and was named the National League Rookie of the Month. His stellar first season even earned him votes for the NL Rookie of the Year in 2009.
In November 2012, the Braves traded Hanson to the Angels for pitcher Jordan Walden. The following season he became a free agent after thirteen starts, fifteen appearances where he went 4-3 along with a 5.42 ERA.
In 2014 he spent time with both the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox and in 2015 with the San Francisco Giants, all with minor league appearances.
Atlanta Braves President John Scheurholz released the following statement:
“We are incredibly saddened to learn of Tommy’s tragic passing. He was a favorite on the clubhouse and with our staff and he will truly be missed by everyone in Braves Country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, family, former teammates and friends.”
Featured photo: Jamie Squire / Getty Images
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