The baseball world is mourning the loss of a former pitching ace who has passed away at age 29. Tommy Hanson, who spent five seasons in the major leagues — four with the Atlanta Braves and one with the Los Angeles Angels — slipped into a coma and died Monday night.
Hanson had been hospitalized at Atlanta’s Piedmont Hospital since Sunday. WSB-TV Sports Director Zach Klein reports that the former major leaguer suffered catastrophic organ failure.
At 6 feet, 6 inches and 200 pounds, the Braves once considered Hanson the future of their pitching staff. He finished third in Rookie of the Year voting in 2009 and became popular for his easygoing personality as much as for his considerable arm. Shoulder issues and decreasing velocity led the Braves to trade him to the Angels after the 2012 season.
Hanson found himself plagued with more problems with the Angels when he suffered from what he called “mental issues” following his brother’s sudden death. He pitched his last major league game in 2013 and struggled in the minors in 2014 and 2015.
The Braves tweeted their condolences early Tuesday morning:
RIP, Tommy pic.twitter.com/SXUq1NNTyQ
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 10, 2015
Our prayers and thought are with his family and loved ones.
UPDATE: WSB is reporting that the medical examiner has listed the cause of death as an overdose. Toxicology reports are forthcoming.
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