Tommy Hanson | Alcohol & Cocaine Overdose Death

Tommy Hanson was a Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher known for the Atlanta Braves who died from an alcohol and cocaine overdose in 2015. He was 29.

How Tommy Hanson Died

At a friend’s home in Newnan, Georgia, on November 8, 2015, Tommy Hanson was found unresponsive and taken to Piedmont Hospital where he suffered from catastrophic organ failure and died the next day.

The Coweta County Coroner, Richard Hawk, stated the cause of death was from delayed complications of cocaine and alcohol toxicity. In other words, the 29-year-old had died from complications of a cocaine and alcohol overdose.

About Tommy Hanson

Thomas J. Hanson Jr. was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on August 28, 1986. However, he moved to California where his love of baseball began.

He attended Redlands East Valley High School and later played as a baseball athlete at Sacramento State University. The Atlanta Braves chose him during the draft in 2005.

Pitcher Tommy Hanson continued to play baseball, eventually becoming part of the Danville Braves of the Appalachian League in 2006 as well as the Rome Braves during his participation in the minor league.

With a high pitching prospect, Hanson was chosen for the South Atlantic League. During the offseason in 2009, Hanson was almost traded for Jake Peavy, the pitcher for the San Diego Padres.

MLB Career 

During his first game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Hanson performed well, accomplishing a number of strikeouts.

The right-hander continued his success during Major League seasons, eventually improving his rank. During the first games played, he threw six scoreless innings against the Boston Red Sox and successfully competed against the San Francisco Giants as well as the Houston Astros.

In addition to this, his career gained more traction as he continued to compete well against other teams such as the New York Mets and the Yankees.

Injuries & Problems

Hanson’s career continued to soar as he ranked third for the National League Rookie of the Year award. Known for his numerous strikeouts, Hanson received a shoulder injury as well as lower back problems.

According to Reuters, Hanson’s shoulder injury would later impact his career.

In 2012, he became the pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Unfortunately, his step brother passed away, leaving Hanson to struggle with mental health issues.

In 2014, he signed a major league contract with the Texas Rangers that February. By March, the contract was terminated and he began a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox. In 2015, he signed his last contract with the San Francisco Giants.

Tommy Hanson’s History Of Substance Abuse

Although there is not much evidence of specific incidents related to Hanson’s history of substance abuse, he did suffer from mental health issues at one point according to The New York Times. 

Shortly after his younger brother passed away in 2013, Hanson revealed he was dealing with mental issues.

Did Tommy Hanson Attend Addiction Treatment?

Unfortunately, there is no evidence of Hanson receiving any mental health care or attempting addiction treatment.

Recovery Is Possible

Former Atlanta Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson’s death is a reminder of the need for addiction treatment to assist with substance abuse, including those struggling with an addiction to alcohol.

Recovery from alcohol addiction is possible when you access professional care and build a foundation of lasting support. To learn how we help individuals and families achieve long-term recovery, please contact us today.