Former River Cats Pitcher Tommy Hanson Passes Away At 29
Former Sacramento River Cats pitcher Tommy Hanson passed away Monday night in an Atlanta hospital from what is described as catastrophic organ failure. He was 29 years old.
The news was first reported by Zach Klein of Channel 2 Action News in Atlanta, Ga.
"We are incredibly saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of Tommy Hanson," River Cats President Jeff Savage said Tuesday morning. "Tommy was a leader in this clubhouse and on the field, but more than that, was a favorite among the players. While he spent just the last half of 2015 with us, his presence was felt by all and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tommy's family, friends, and former teammates."
Hanson first joined the River Cats early into the season in 2015 after spending a few games in San Jose. Being a veteran on a minor league team, Hanson's numbers weren't the best, but his presence was immediately felt in the clubhouse.
The Giants organization also released a statement on the sad news:
"The Giants are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Tommy Hanson. Tommy was a great talent with a bright future who was taken from us well before his time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many people who were lucky enough to know him."
Hanson was drafted out of Riverside Community College in Southern California back in 2005 by the Atlanta Braves. Before his rookie season in 2009, he was ranked the fourth best baseball prospect by Baseball America.
His best season was that same rookie year with the Braves, finishing with a 2.89 ERA, 11-4 record and landed third in the Rookie of the Year votes.
After spending 2009-2012 with the Braves, Hanson joined the LA Angels for a season in 2013. After a disappointing year with the Angels, Hanson spent a season with the Chicago White Sox triple-A team in Charlotte.