Former Angels and Braves Pitcher Tommy Hanson Dead at 29

It’s a sad and heartfelt day for those affected by the loss of former Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tommy Hanson. “Big Red” as they’d call him, passed away late Monday night, falling into a coma after suffering extreme organ damage. He was only 29-years-old.

So during this time, we here at Rox Pile would like to honor the late pitcher by highlighting his Major League career for you.

Hanson was 22nd round pick by the Atlanta Braves in the 2005 Major League Baseball draft; what a steal that was. During his four years with the Braves, Hanson recorded 10+ victories in each season, compiling an overall record of 45-32, including an ERA of 3.61.

Hanson, after spending four seasons with the Braves, was traded in the offseason of 2012 to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for reliever Jordan Walden in a straight-up deal. The Angels were looking for starting pitching depth while the Braves looked for bullpen help, being that they had top pitching prospects such as Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado almost Major League ready — the trade made sense for both parties.

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During the 2013 campaign with the Angels, Hanson was limited due to triceps and forearm injuries. Hanson made 13 starts for the Angels that season, collecting a record of 4-3 with an ERA of 5.42.

Injuries really derailed his career, mainly shoulder problems he suffered prior to the 2011 campaign. Not to mention, Hanson was involved in a car-crash in 2012, resulting in concussion symptoms.

Earlier this season in May, Hanson inked a one-year deal with the then defending Major League Baseball champion San Francisco Giants. San Francisco made the signing simply due to a depth move if you will, since starters Matt Cain and Jake Peavy were sidelined to begin the season. Hanson never received the opportunity to pitch for the big club, making 15 starts in the Minor League system posting a 4-6 record with an ERA of 4.76.

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We here at Rox Pile send our condolences to the family, friends and former teammates of Tommy Hanson.