MLB P Tommy Hansen dies at 29 yrs of age
Former big league P Tommy 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.
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 quickly established himself as one of the brightest young hurlers in the majors. He finished 3rd in the
2009 NL Rookie of the Year vote and followed that up with 200+ frames of 3.33 ERA ball in 2010.
Despite early-career excellence, Hanson’s career faded after he experienced shoulder trouble in 2011.
Never reliant on an upper 90s fastball, he nevertheless struggled to adapt as he lost velocity. Hanson
ultimately played with the Braves for 4 seasons in total, the last of those coming in 2012.
Hanson returned to his native California during the winter of '12 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.”
It's always sad seeing someone go at a young age, RIP