Pitcher Tommy Hanson in a Coma at Atlanta Hospital
The former Major League Baseball pitcher was just 29 years old when he slipped into a coma and sadly succumbed to his reported organ failure.
Hanson was 49-35 with a 3.80 ERA during his Major League Baseball career. Hanson spent four of those with the Braves before being traded to the Los Angeles Angels in 2013. The next year, he made 34 starts with a 3.33 ERA.
Monday night, the San Francisco Giants farm system was handed a few sad news to grasp, as Sacramento River Cats pitcher Tommy Hanson passed away in Atlanta. Hanson nearly looked like he was cracking a whip in his delivery, and he truly did snap off those breaking balls. Following the family death, he was away from the Angels for three weeks, having a tough time with the personal loss. He was drafted by the Braves in the 22nd round in 2005 and was once considered the team’s top prospect. He continued to search for work, even on minor league deals. He never pitched in the majors again.
In the 2009 NL Rookie of the Year balloting, Hanson finished behind Chris Coghlan and J.A. Happ and ahead of Andrew McCutchen.
We send our thoughts to Hanson, and will keep you updated on the story when more details emerge. Hanson went 28-20 with a 4.36 ERA (89 ERA+) from 2011-13. Hanson had been in a coma, according to multiple reports.
After the 2013 season, Hanson signed on with the Chicago White Sox.
Hanson graduated from Redlands East Valley High and also played at Riverside City College.