Tom Browning was a prominent left-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds from 1984 to 1995. His impressive rookie season in 1985 saw him win 20 games, earning him a runner-up position for the NL Rookie of the Year Award. He became a key player in the Reds' pitching rotation, leading the NL in games started for several years. Browning's career highlight was pitching the twelfth perfect game in MLB history against the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 16, 1988. This feat, along with his 18-5 win-loss record that season, cemented his place in baseball history. He continued to be a valuable asset to the Reds, contributing to their World Series victory in 1990. His achievements earned him recognition as an NL All-Star in 1991.
April 28, 1960: Birth of Tom Browning
On April 28, 1960, Thomas Leo Browning, an American left-handed pitcher who would go on to have a successful Major League Baseball career, was born.
1965: First Lefty Perfect Game Since Koufax
Tom Browning's perfect game in 1988 was the first by a left-handed pitcher since Sandy Koufax achieved the feat in 1965.
1971: Browning's Legacy with the Reds
Upon his retirement, Tom Browning held the record for most wins by a Cincinnati Reds pitcher since 1971, solidifying his legacy as a prominent figure in the team's history.
1979: Browning's College Baseball Years
Tom Browning began his college baseball journey in 1979, showcasing his skills and passion for the sport.
1981: Transfer to Tennessee Wesleyan College
In 1981, Browning transferred to Tennessee Wesleyan College to continue his baseball career and pursue his education.
1982: Completion of College Baseball
Tom Browning's college baseball journey concluded in 1982, marking the end of his amateur career and paving the way for his professional pursuits.
1982: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds
Tom Browning was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the ninth round of the 1982 June draft. This marked a pivotal moment in his career as he transitioned from college baseball to the professional leagues.
1983: Development in the Minor Leagues
In 1983, Browning honed his skills in the minor leagues, playing for Class-A Tampa and Class-AA Waterbury, where he recorded impressive strikeout numbers and continued to develop his pitching abilities.
1984: Browning's Major League Debut
Tom Browning made his Major League debut in 1984 with the Cincinnati Reds. He had a strong start, defeating Orel Hershiser and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
1984: Promotion to the Major Leagues
Tom Browning's performance with Class-AAA Wichita in 1984, which included a seven-inning no-hitter, earned him a call-up to the Cincinnati Reds, marking his entry into Major League Baseball.
1985: Browning's Impressive Rookie Season
In 1985, Tom Browning had a standout rookie season, winning 20 games. This achievement made him the first rookie to achieve this since Bob Grim of the Yankees in 1954 and earned him the title of The Sporting News' NL Rookie Pitcher of the Year.
June 6, 1988: Near No-Hitter
Tom Browning came close to pitching a no-hitter on June 6, 1988, but the attempt was broken up by Tony Gwynn's single in the ninth inning.
September 16, 1988: Browning Pitches a Perfect Game
On September 16, 1988, Tom Browning achieved a remarkable feat by pitching the twelfth perfect game in Major League Baseball history while playing against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Riverfront Stadium. It was a 1-0 victory for the Reds.
1988: One of Browning's Best Seasons
Tom Browning had one of his most successful seasons in 1988, achieving an impressive 18-5 record and a 3.41 ERA while playing alongside Danny Jackson, who secured 23 wins.
July 4, 1989: Another Near Perfect Game
On July 4, 1989, Tom Browning narrowly missed pitching his second perfect game when Dickie Thon hit a lead-off double in the ninth inning.
1990: World Series Victory
In 1990, Tom Browning and the Cincinnati Reds achieved a significant victory by winning the World Series, sweeping the heavily favored Oakland A's. Browning's win in Game 3 contributed to this triumph.
1991: All-Star Selection
Tom Browning was selected to the National League All-Star team in 1991, marking a high point in his career and recognizing his talent as a pitcher.
1991: Battling Injuries
From 1991 to 1993, Tom Browning faced challenges due to injuries, impacting his performance and leading to a win-loss record of 27-26 during that period.
July 7, 1993: The Rooftop Incident
On July 7, 1993, during a game between the Reds and the Cubs at Wrigley Field, Tom Browning pulled off a legendary prank by sneaking out of the stadium and spending time with fans on a nearby rooftop while in full uniform.
1994: Career-Threatening Injury
Tom Browning suffered a severe arm injury while pitching in San Diego on May 9, 1994, sidelining him for the rest of the season and significantly impacting his career.
1995: Comeback Attempt
In 1995, Tom Browning attempted a comeback with the Kansas City Royals after his injury but was only able to start two games before deciding to step back for further rehabilitation.
1995: Browning's Final MLB Season
Tom Browning's final season in Major League Baseball was in 1995, marking the end of his career as a professional baseball player.
1996: Retirement from Baseball
Tom Browning officially retired from professional baseball in 1996 after attempting to return with the Kansas City Royals.
December 2005: Fan Vote for Reds Hall of Fame
In December 2005, Tom Browning secured his place in the Reds Hall of Fame by winning a fan vote, solidifying his status as a beloved figure among Reds supporters.
February 2006: Return to Spring Training
Tom Browning returned to spring training with the Reds in February 2006, not as a player, but as a special instructor, sharing his experience and knowledge with a new generation of players.
March 2006: Release of "Tom Browning's Tales from the Reds Dugout"
Tom Browning's book, "Tom Browning's Tales from the Reds Dugout," co-authored with Dann Stupp, was released in March 2006.
2006: Induction into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame
In 2006, Tom Browning was honored with induction into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the team.
2006: Official Induction
Tom Browning was officially inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2006, cementing his legacy as a celebrated player in the team's history.
2007: Pitching Coach for the Billings Mustangs
Tom Browning's coaching career continued in 2007 when he was appointed as the pitching coach for the Billings Mustangs, the Rookie Advanced level farm club of the Cincinnati Reds.
March 30, 2009: Arrest for Non-Payment of Child Support
Tom Browning faced legal trouble on March 30, 2009, when he was arrested for failing to pay child support.
2012: Pitching Coach for the Dayton Dragons
In 2012, Tom Browning took on the role of pitching coach for the Dayton Dragons, a Class-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, further solidifying his connection to the organization.
2015: Second Stint as Pitching Coach
Tom Browning returned to the Dayton Dragons in 2015 for a second stint as pitching coach, continuing to share his expertise and contribute to the development of young players.
February 27, 2018: Browning Purchases Bart's on York
On February 27, 2018, Tom Browning, along with his three sons, bought Bart's on York, a bar situated north of Kentucky, opposite the Great American Ballpark. The bar, renamed Browning's on York, was officially inaugurated on the Reds' opening day in 2018.
August 2019: Logan Browning in the Red Sox Farm System
As of August 2019, Browning's son, Logan, was a pitcher in the Boston Red Sox farm system.
August 27, 2022: Browning Arrested for OVI
On August 27, 2022, Tom Browning was apprehended and charged with an OVI (Operating Vehicle Impaired) or DUI (Driving Under the Influence). He was found asleep at the wheel, having crashed his car into a house in Georgetown, Ohio. His blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.127.
December 19, 2022: Browning Found Unresponsive
On December 19, 2022, officers from the Boone County, Kentucky Sheriff's Department and emergency medical services responded to an emergency call at Tom Browning's residence in Union, Kentucky. They arrived to find Browning unresponsive and not breathing. Despite resuscitation efforts, he could not be revived.
December 19, 2022: Death of Tom Browning
Tom Browning passed away on December 19, 2022.