Tom Browning was a left-handed pitcher who played for the Cincinnati Reds for his entire career. He was known for his accuracy and control on the mound, as well as his unorthodox delivery. Browning was a key player in the Reds' success during the late 1980s and early 1990s, including their World Series championship in 1990.
Browning was born in Casper, Wyoming, and grew up in Kentucky. He attended LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New York, where he played baseball and was drafted by the Reds in the ninth round of the 1982 MLB draft. He made his major league debut in 1984 and quickly established himself as a reliable starter for the Reds.
Browning's best season came in 1985, when he went 20-9 with a 3.55 ERA and finished third in the National League Cy Young Award voting. He was also named to the All-Star team that year. Browning continued to pitch well for the Reds over the next several seasons, helping them win the NL West division in 1990 and the World Series that same year.
In addition to his success on the field, Browning was known for his colorful personality and sense of humor. He once famously snuck a hot dog into the dugout during a game and ate it while sitting on the bench. He also once wore a t-shirt with a picture of a naked woman on it during a postgame interview.
Browning's career came to an end in 1995, when he suffered a torn rotator cuff that required surgery. He attempted a comeback with the Kansas City Royals in 1996, but was released after just one start. He retired with a career record of 123-90 and a 3.94 ERA.
Since retiring from baseball, Browning has remained involved in the sport as a coach and broadcaster. He has also been active in charity work, including founding the Tom Browning Boys and Girls Club in his hometown of Maysville, Kentucky.
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