Former RHP Hanson died of cocaine and alcohol overdose

After being drafted by the Braves in 2005, Hanson quickly rose to the top of the prospect ranks.

Former major-league right-hander Tommy Hanson, who spent a spring training with the Texas Rangers, died from “delayed complications of cocaine and alcohol toxicity, ” according to WXIA, an Atlanta television station. The cause of death was ruled an accident, according to the Coweta Country coroner.

Hanson was found unresponsive on Sunday, November 8, in a Coweta County home where he had been staying for the weekend, and was taken to a nearby hospital.

Hanson pitched for the Braves from 2009 to 2012 and the Angels in 2013.

Hanson admitted to problems during his year with the Angels after the death of a step-brother. Hanson was excellent for the club the next two years, but was limited to just 130 innings in 2011 due to shoulder injuries. He posted a 6.16 ERA for the White Sox Triple-A affiliate in 2014 and a 5.60 ERA for the Giants Triple-A affiliate in 2015.