Cuban-born baseball star Luis Tiant, renowned for his exceptional pitching abilities and unique delivery method, has passed away at the age of 83. Known as “El Tiante,” he garnered a significant fan base in his native Cuba before establishing a name for himself in American Major League Baseball. Tiant is considered one of the most outstanding pitchers never elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, with his career comprising 49 shutouts, 229 wins, and 2,416 strikeouts. His distinctive windup style, where he turned his back to the batter, and his competitive spirit, particularly during crucial moments, remain his defining characteristics on the field.
Tiant, son of Luis Tiant Sr., a prominent player in the Negro and Cuban Leagues, began his professional career in Cuba and Mexico. He later signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1961 and made his debut three years later. His skills made him an indispensable part of the team, and his exceptional performance in 1968 led the league’s ERA, contributing to one of the best pitching seasons in baseball history. Tiant’s efficiency in constraining hits per nine innings has only been surpassed by three pitchers since then.
However, several injuries almost ended Tiant’s flourishing career in his late twenties. After being traded in 1969 and subsequently released in 1971, Tiant joined the Boston Red Sox, marking the beginning of a transformative second phase in his career. He recreated his magic on the field, leading the American League in ERA once again in 1972. His remarkable performances in 1974 and 1976 led to his inclusion in the All-Star teams for these years.
In the midst of his successful span with the Red Sox, Tiant was instrumental in winning the 1975 American League pennant. His remarkable performances were most evident in Game 1 of the ALCS and his complete games against the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series. Going up against the formidable Reds, Tiant pitched a shutout in the inaugural game. While his performance in Game 6 was less dominant, it ended with Carlton Fisk’s famous wave-it-fair home run.
During his eight seasons with the Red Sox, Tiant reached the 20-games mark thrice. His contributions to the team were duly recognized when he was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 1997. Even after his retirement, Tiant maintained his association with the team, regularly attending spring training sessions.
While Tiant’s candidacy for the Hall of Fame spanned 15 years, he never received more than 30.9% of the vote. Nevertheless, his baseball prowess made him a legend from Cuba to New England. As Hall of Famer Tony Pérez stated, “When I was a boy growing up in Cuba, Luis Tiant was a national hero.” Tiant’s death indeed marks the end of an era, but his contributions and essence will pervade the world of baseball for generations to come.
