One of the top prospects in Major League Baseball when he debuted for the Atlanta Braves at the start of the 2009 season, Tommy Hanson immediately impressed by showing a competitive drive on the field and a gentle nature off it. Hanson died Monday night after reportedly slipping into a coma and sustaining catastrophic organ failure. He was just 29 years old.
Hanson posted a 2.89 ERA in 21 starts as a rookie in 2009, and followed up with two more strong seasons before shoulder problems started to set in. He was struggling in the minors to keep his career going in 2015, finishing his career in the Giants organization.
Hanson's colleagues have reacted with shock, sadness and disbelief. We've compiled some of their thoughts here.
My thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the family and friends of Tommy Hanson.
— Carlos Gomez (@RealCarlosGomez) November 10, 2015
Deeply saddened by this news. Great guy. Great teammate. Thoughts and prayers for his family. https://t.co/Hq2b5Khi0s
— Chris Iannetta (@Chris_Iannetta) November 10, 2015
Thoughts and prayers to Tommy Hansons family and friends. Sad to hear. #RIPTommyHanson
— paul maholm (@paul_maholm) November 10, 2015
#RIPTommyHanson my thoughts & prayers are w his family & friends...taken way 2 soon...cherish ur loved ones everyday!
— Clint Robinson (@BatHoarder) November 10, 2015
My heart and prayers go out to Tommy Hanson's Family. Enjoy each day. #RIPTommy
— Vernon Wells (@VernonWells10) November 10, 2015
Great teammate, great pitcher, great person. Tommy Hanson you will be missed by so many you competed w/ or against! Prayers to Hanson family
— Kevin Frandsen (@KevinFrandsen) November 10, 2015
Sending my thoughts and prayers to #MLB pitcher Tommy Hanson's family!!! Lots of great memories competing against you Tommy!!! #RIP buddy
— Shane Victorino (@ShaneVictorino) November 10, 2015
Very sad to hear of the passing of Tommy Hanson, a great teammate & I was fortunate to have known him. Life is short, cherish ppl & time.
— Dylan Axelrod (@dylanaxelrod) November 10, 2015
Kim Hudson, the wife of Tim Hudson, a former teammate with Braves:
Forget baseball. Tommy Hanson was good at life. A loving, generous husband, son, brother, uncle & friend. Pray for those who loved him.
— Kim Hudson (@kimberlybhudson) November 10, 2015
Gonna miss ya "Big Red" @TommyHanson48 #RIPBigRed
— Micah Owings (@MicahOwings) November 10, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go out to @TommyHanson48 family and friends tonight and the days to come.
— Hunter Strickland (@hstrickland60) November 10, 2015
Early in his career, Sporting News mag included Tommy Hanson in a rising stars feature. Loved this pic. RIP Tommy pic.twitter.com/AiXCEeo1RH
— Ryan Fagan (@ryanfagan) 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
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
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
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
R.I.P Tommy Hanson
— David Ross (@D_Ross3) 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
