Tommy Hanson

Thomas J. Hanson (born August 26, 1986, in Tulsa, Oklahoma) is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Hanson was considered by Baseball America to be the # 1 prospect in the Braves farm system going into the 2009 season. He was called up to the majors on June 3rd, 2009.

Hanson graduated from Redlands East Valley High School in June 2004, electing to continue his post-secondary education at Riverside Community College. In 2005, he was selected in the 22nd round (Pick 677) by the Atlanta Braves as a "draft-and-follow pick."

Major League Career

Hanson was called up by the Atlanta Braves on June 3, 2009 after the team cut Tom Glavine. He made his debut on June 7, 2009 against the Milwaukee Brewers pitching 6 innings, striking out 5, giving up 6 earned runs, 3 home runs and receiving a no decision. He gave up two home runs to Ryan Braun, the first being the first hit allowed in Hanson's major league career.

On June 12, 2009, Hanson earned his first win against the Baltimore Orioles.  In his next start on June 18, 2009, Hanson threw 6 scoreless innings against the Cincinnati Reds to earn a win and lower his ERA to 4.08.  On June 23, 2009 Tommy Hanson gained a win against the New York Yankees by throwing 5.1 scoreless innings to follow up his previous 6 shutout innings.

On June 28, 2009, he threw six scoreless innings against the Boston Red Sox allowing just 2 hits and 2 walks to improve his career major league record to 4-0 and lowered his ERA to 2.48. In his 4 major league victories, his combined ERA to this point was 0.78. He now has thrown 22 consecutive shutout innings and also became the first National League rookie pitcher to win consecutive starts against the Yankees and the Red Sox. For his efforts, Hanson was named the June's NL Rookie of the Month.

On July 11, 2009, Hanson was optioned to Class-A Myrtle Beach to make room for Luis Valdez in the Braves' thin bullpen. He will return to the rotation after the All Star Break.