Legendary Cuban ace Luis Tiant dies
-
José de Jesus Ortiz, Founder & Editor in Chief
- October 8, 2024
Many believe Luis Tiant belongs in the Hall of Fame
As word of the Cuban legend Luis Tiant’s death spread Tuesday, many reiterated a call for Tiant to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Tiant, one of the greatest pitchers of the 1960s and 1970s, died at the age of 83.
“It hurts,” Hall of Famer Tony Perez said in his native Spanish. “He’s a friend, a partner, and, above all, we’re from the same country. He was a glory to all Cubans. Playing against him in the World Series was very difficult, very difficult.”
With one of the most unique deliveries in baseball history, Tiant was one of the best pitchers in baseball over his 19 seasons in the majors. He whirled and twisted his back, hiding the ball from hitters until the very last split second.
The native of Marianao, Cuba, won the American League ERA title in 1968 with a 1.60 ERA for the Cleveland Indians. Then he won the AL ERA title in 1972 with a 1.91 ERA for the Boston Red Sox.
Three-time All-Star
Luis Tiant won a career-high 22 games in 1974 with the Red Sox. He also won 21 games in 1968, 20 in 1973 and 21 in 1976.
“Luis was a tremendous pitcher,” Perez said. “I always said he should be in the Hall of Fame because of the numbers he had and his career, above all with the Red Sox. It was impressive. He would give you his back, make all kinds of gestures to get you out.
“It was so difficult to see the ball come out of his hand. He wouldn’t let you see it until the last second.”
More from Our Esquina
Tony Perez a key part of Black History
Minnie Miñoso induction felt bittersweet
David Ortiz hits right notes in Hall induction speech
Tiant received MVP votes in four seasons, finishing a career-high fifth in the 1968 AL MVP race. The three-time All-Star received Cy Young Award votes three times, finishing a career-best fourth in 1974 after posting a 22-13 with a 2.92 ERA.
Perez, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000, had hoped his good friend would join him among the baseball immortals when he was still alive to enjoy the honor.
‘Very sad’
“It’s very sad because we had a lot of faith that he would get in,” Perez said. “He deserves it because of his body of work, and the fans of baseball admired him. He was always there. All the batters would say how difficult it was to see his ball.”
Tiant was 229-172 with a 3.30 ERA and 15 saves over 19 seasons in the majors from 1964 to 1982. He broke in with the Indians on July 19, 1964. “El Tiante” played for the Indians, Red Sox, Yankees, Angels and Twins. He was best known for his eight seasons with the Red Sox. Tiant played six seasons with the Indians.
“Today is a very sad day,” former Red Sox star Fred Lynn said on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. “My friend and teammate, Luis Tiant, passed away. A big game pitcher, a funny, genuine guy who loved his family and baseball. I miss him already. … RIP, my friend.”
Tiant was a fixture with the Red Sox at Fenway Park during the season and in Fort Myers during spring training.
“Tough day to hear of Luis Tiant passing away,” Kevin Youkilis posted on X. “A former player we loved coming into the clubhouse. Always joking around with that infectious laugh and saying, ‘Man you a sick puppy!’ Forever grateful for the time shared with a legend. May his memory be a blessing! RIP El Tiante.”
José de Jesus Ortiz
Founder & Editor in Chief
Award-winning writer José de Jesus Ortiz, a former lead sports columnist at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, has covered Major League Baseball since 1997 in Los Angeles, St. Petersburg, New York and Houston. He was the first Latino to serve as president of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
Stay in the Loop
Get the Our Esquina Email Newsletter
By submitting your email, you are agreeing to receive additional communications and exclusive content from Our Esquina. You can unsubscribe at any time.