Former Braves, Angels pitcher, budding ace Hanson dead at 29
Tommy Hanson, the former major-league pitcher who won at least 10 games in each of his first four seasons, died late Monday night in Atlanta after reportedly suffering "catastrophic organ failure" and slipping into a coma. The Braves confirmed Hanson's death early Tuesday morning. He was 29 years old.
Per MLB source, former #Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson has passed away He was 29 #RIPTH ?
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) November 10, 2015
RIP, Tommy pic.twitter.com/SXUq1NNTyQ
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 10, 2015
According to Atlanta station WSB-TV sports director Zach Klein, who first reported Hanson’s hospitalization Monday afternoon, Hanson was initially rushed to a hospital Sunday morning after he had trouble breathing. He was moved to Atlanta Piedmont hospital the following morning after suffering organ failure and the hospital ran a series of tests to determine the cause, though one has yet to be announced.
Hanson had double-digit wins in each of his first four seasons, from 2009 to 2012 with Atlanta. In ’09, Hanson finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting. He suffered shoulder injuries and a loss of velocity in 2011 and was traded to the Angels in November 2012 for reliever Jordan Walden. In his one season in Anaheim, Hanson went 4-3 with a 5.42 ERA in 15 games (13 starts) in 2013 and took a leave of absence following the death of his half-brother. He did not pitch in the majors again, though he tried to catch on with the Rangers and White Sox before signing a minor-league contract with the Giants last spring.
Hanson finished with a career record of 49-35 in 123 games, all but two of them starts, with a 3.80 ERA. He had a career-high 13 wins in 2012.
Tributes to Hanson quickly moved across social media after word of his death.
The Braves are deeply saddened by the loss of Tommy Hanson. Statement from Braves President John Schuerholz: pic.twitter.com/WenVe9iwnV
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 10, 2015
My heart is broken today. Tommy Hanson was a great teammate, friend and pitcher. We all loved and pulled for him. We ALL will miss him. #RIP
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) November 10, 2015
Thoughts and Prayers go out to the family and friends of Tommy Hanson. Great teammate and better person. You will be missed. #RIPTommy
— Kole Calhoun (@KoleCalhoun) November 10, 2015
Our thoughts are with former @RiverCats pitcher Tommy Hanson and his family. https://t.co/mwjhjNVUdd
— San Francisco Giants (@SFGiants) November 10, 2015
Sending our thoughts to former #Angels SP, Tommy Hanson, at this time.
— Angels (@Angels) November 10, 2015
Thoughts and prayers to Tommy Hanson's family and friends. Played against him for a long time. I'm completely shocked right now. #RIPTommy
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) November 10, 2015
Can't believe this happened..Another one gone to young! My condolences to the Hanson family..Thoughts and Prayers are with you #MLBfamily
— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) November 10, 2015
Prayers go up to a great person and friend in Tommy Hanson. The world great person. Condolences to his family. #RIPBrother
— Dexter Fowler (@DexterFowler) November 10, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with Tommy Hanson's family and friends. Such sad news that leaves us with heavy hearts. #RIPTH
— Jarrod Parker (@JarrodBParker) November 10, 2015
Thoughts and prayers to Tommy Hansons family and friends. Sad to hear. #RIPTommyHanson
— paul maholm (@paul_maholm) November 10, 2015
My heart and prayers go out to Tommy Hanson's Family. Enjoy each day. #RIPTommy
— Vernon Wells (@VernonWells10) November 10, 2015
Stunned to wake up to the news of Tommy Hanson. Thoughts and prayers for his family. #RIPTommy
— jp arencibia (@jparencibia9) November 10, 2015
