Tommy Hanson, a former Major League Baseball pitcher with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels, has died. He was only 29 years old.
The sad news was first reported by WSBTV, which confirmed that Hanson went into a coma and then was moved to Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. He died Monday morning due to catastrophic organ failure.
WSBTV reports that Hanson was rushed to a hospital on Sunday after struggling to breathe. He was then taken to Piedmont for testing.
“We are incredibly saddened to learn of Tommy's tragic passing,” Braves President John Schuerholz said Tuesday. “He was a favorite in the clubhouse and with our staff and he will truly be missed by everyone in Braves Country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, family, former teammates and friends.”
Hanson spent the 2015 season in the San Francisco Giants farm system, The Giants also issued a statement, expressing their condolences.
“Tommy was a great talent with a bright future who was taken from us well before his time,” the Giants said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many people who were lucky enough to know him.”
Hanson, who was nicknamed “Big Red” for his hair and tall stature, had a 49-35 career record with a 3.80 ERA. He was considered a top prospect when he debuted with the Braves in 2009, but his injuries hurt his career and he made his last Major League start in 2013 with the Angels. After that, he pitched in the minors for the Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox and Giants.