After earlier reports indicated that former big league pitcher Tommy Hanson was fighting for his life in an Atlanta-area hospital, it emerged tonight that Hanson has passed away at just 29 years of age.
Heartfelt wishes have streamed in from around the game as friends, fans, and former teammates and opponents have learned of the unthinkable news. MLBTR joins them in extending its sincere condolences to Hanson’s loved ones.
The big righty lost his life in the same city where he had his greatest successes as a baseball player. He broke into the league with the Braves at just 22 years of age after streaking through the minors as a heralded young talent.
Hanson’s life meant far more than the memories he created on the ballfield, of course, but that doesn’t mean his pitching feats aren’t also worth celebrating. A towering presence on the mound, Hanson quickly established himself as one of the brightest young hurlers in the majors. He finished third in the 2009 National League Rookie of the Year vote and followed that up with 200+ frames of 3.33 ERA ball in 2010.
Despite that early-career excellence, Hanson’s career faded after he experienced shoulder trouble in 2011. Never reliant on an upper-nineties fastball, he nevertheless struggled to adapt as he lost velocity. Hanson ultimately played with the Braves for four seasons in total, the last of those coming in 2012.
Hanson returned to his native California that winter after being traded to the Angels, seemingly receiving a fresh start. But things did not turn out as hoped, as Hanson dealt with the tragic death of his younger brother and was unable to re-discover his form on he mound. While that time with the Halos represents his last big league action, Hanson kept trying to work his way back, spending time with the Rangers, White Sox, and (most recently) Giants organizations over the last several years.
Not much is known at present about the root issue that led to Hanson’s untimely death, with reports indicating only that he was in a coma after experiencing “catastrophic organ failure.” But it matters little. At base, it is simply sad beyond words for any person to pass on at such a young age.
Zach Klein of WSB-TV Atlanta reported the news as it emerged at his Twitter timeline.
I really hope he pulls through
Praying for ya Tommy. Keep fighting!
Get well soon Big Red. Prayers and thoughts going out for you.
Worst news by far in a day of bad player news. Here’s hoping Tommy can beat this.
Second offseason in a row the game has lost someone way too young.
It’s a silly thing to remember, but Tommy Hanson was park of one of my most significant fantasy baseball trades several years back. He’ll be missed. :c
It’s being reported that he has passed away.
So sad
Sadly Hanson did not make it.
ajc.com/news/sports/baseball/former-braves-pitcher…
RIP Tommy Hanson
R.I.P. Tommy
Sad end. Nobody should die that young, regardless of the reason.
Very sad to hear. News like this always hits you in the gut. My condolences to his family and former teammates
RIP Tommy
Very sad to hear. May he RIP
Wow… sorry to hear that. Best wishes to his family.
First his brother, now him. Can only imagine what his parents are going through.
Oscar Taveras was killed around this time last year if I remember. Now Tommy Hanson this year… Can we please go a year without a beloved player tragically passing away?? :'(
Way too young to go. Condolences to Tommy’s family.
I saw him pitch down in A-ball just a few months ago. My prayers go out to his family.
Rest In Peace Tommy Hanson….thoughts and prayers to the Hanson family.
Rest in peace
RIP Tommy
What was the cause of death?
“Catastrophic organ failure”
What caused that, of course, we don’t know. I think our minds jump to Lamar Odom but it could be a great many other things, most of which aren’t partying related. First thing that jumps to my mind having dealt with stuff like this in the family is undiagnosed lung issues, which can start off cascading organ failures seemingly without warning.
My condolences goes out to the Hanson family. RIP Tommy. You will be missed.
As an Angel fan and a fan of baseball this saddens me. Gone too soon. My thoughts are with his friends and family.
Don’t do drugs and don’t drink and drive, folks. I liked Hanson and for some reason him giving up a solo shot to light-hitting Francisco Cervelli in a 1-0 game at Turner Field in 2009 always stuck out to me as the turning point in the Yankees’ last championship run.
I think its a little early to blame it on drugs or alcohol unless im missing a report. That said he has probably had a very rough time with the passing of his brother and his career.
If it was an OD situation I get the feeling they would have said as much versus “critical organ failure”.
mobile.twitter.com/ZachKleinWSB/status/66421984316…
“We’ve obtained Tommy Hanson initial incident report
Crime Incident listed as “Overdose”
Official cause will be known in toxicology report”
this is a sad day for Braves fans who remember his talent, sad story…heart goes out to his family