The iconic Cuban-born Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher, Luis Tiant, known for his distinctive pitching style and love for cigars, passed away at his residence in Wells, Maine on October 8, 2024 at the age of 83.
The death of Tiant was confirmed by WBZ News Boston. He had a remarkable MLB career that lasted 19 seasons, from 1964 to 1982.
Born in Marianao, Cuba on November 23, 1940, Luis Clemente Tiant Vega followed his father Luis Tiant Sr., who had a successful career in the Negro Leagues and Cuban Leagues. Tiant Jr. made a name for himself in Cuban baseball before relocating to the United States to further his career.
Tiant started his MLB career with the Cleveland Indians in 1964, impressing in his debut with a four-hit, eleven-strikeout shutout against the New York Yankees. This paved the way for a successful career as one of the most formidable pitchers of his time.
He had his breakthrough season in 1968 with the Indians, leading the American League in ERA (1.60), shutouts (nine), hits per nine innings (5.30), and strikeouts per nine innings (9.22). Despite a stellar 21-9 record, Tiant was edged out for the Cy Young Award by Denny McLain of Detroit.
Following a brief period with the Minnesota Twins, Tiant spent the years from 1971 to 1978 with the Boston Red Sox. His unique wind-up which involved turning his back to the batter before pitching, earned him the nickname “El Tiante” and made him a favorite among Boston fans.
In 1972, Tiant demonstrated his tenacity by rebounding from injuries to lead the American League in ERA with a 1.91 mark. He recorded 20 or more wins in three seasons with the Red Sox (1973, 1974, and 1976).
One of Tiant’s most memorable games was in the 1975 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. He triumphed in Game 1 with a five-hit shutout and then clinched another victory in Game 4 with a 173-pitch complete game. Despite the Red Sox’s eventual loss in the series, Tiant’s performances further endeared him to Boston fans.
After his time with the Red Sox, Tiant played briefly for the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, and California Angels before his retirement in 1982. His career ended with a 229-172 record, a 3.30 ERA, and 2,416 strikeouts.
Although his career statistics and popularity among fans were noteworthy, Tiant did not make it to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He was on the ballot from 1988 to 2002, reaching a peak vote of 30.9% in 1988, falling short of the 75% needed for induction.
Tiant’s influence extended beyond his on-field performance. As one of the first Latin American stars in MLB, he blazed a trail for future players. His unique pitching style, which featured a variety of arm angles and deliveries, made him popular among fans and challenging for batters.
Post-retirement, Tiant stayed involved in baseball as a minor league pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox organizations. He later took up the role of head coach for the baseball team at the Savannah College of Art and Design, a Division III program.
Beyond the baseball field, Tiant enjoyed popularity. He made a memorable appearance on the TV show “Cheers” and capitalized on his love for cigars by launching the “El Tiante” brand.
Tiant maintained a strong connection to his Cuban roots throughout his life. He participated in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League for parts of seven seasons between 1963 and 1982, securing league titles with Leones del Caracas in the 1966-67 and 1967-68 seasons.
He was inducted into several halls of fame, including the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame in 1997, the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009, solidifying his legacy in the sport.
Tiant is survived by his wife, Maria, their three children: Luis Jr., Isabel, and Daniel, and John Papile, whom he regarded as a son. His passing signifies the end of an era in baseball, but his significant contributions to the sport and the memories he created for fans will continue to resonate in the years to come.
