Luis Tiant, a beloved Cuban-born pitcher recognized for his unconventional pitching style and love for cigars, passed away at his residence in Wells, Maine on October 8, 2024. He was 83.
The news of Tiant’s passing was reported by WBZ News Boston, signaling the end of a distinguished 19-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB) that spanned from 1964 to 1982.
Luis Clemente Tiant Vega was born on November 23, 1940, in Marianao, Cuba. Following in the footsteps of his father, Luis Tiant Sr., a celebrated pitcher in the Negro and Cuban Leagues, Tiant quickly established himself in Cuban baseball before making a name for himself in the United States.
Beginning his MLB career with the Cleveland Indians in 1964, Tiant made a significant first impression with a four-hit, eleven-strikeout shutout against the New York Yankees. This performance marked the beginning of a career that saw him become one of the most formidable pitchers of his time.
Tiant’s breakthrough season was 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 ending the season with a 21-9 record, Tiant was edged out for the Cy Young Award by Detroit’s Denny McLain.
After a short stint with the Minnesota Twins, Tiant found his home with the Boston Red Sox, playing from 1971 to 1978. It was here that “El Tiante” became a crowd pleaser, known for his unique wind-up which involved turning his back to the batter before delivering the pitch.
In 1972, Tiant demonstrated his tenacity, rebounding from injuries to lead the American League in ERA with a 1.91 mark. He continued to achieve 20 or more wins in three seasons with the Red Sox (1973, 1974, and 1976).
One of Tiant’s most notable performances took place in the 1975 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. He secured a victory in Game 1 with a five-hit shutout and came back in Game 4 to secure another win with a grueling 173-pitch complete game. Despite the Red Sox losing the series, Tiant’s remarkable performances solidified his status among Boston fans.
After parting ways with the Red Sox, Tiant played short periods with the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, and California Angels before retiring in 1982. He concluded his career with a record of 229-172, a 3.30 ERA, and 2,416 strikeouts.
Although Tiant’s statistics and popularity with fans were impressive, he did not secure a place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Between 1988 and 2002, he was on the ballot, with his highest vote share reaching 30.9% in 1988, well below the 75% required for induction.
Tiant’s influence extended beyond his accomplishments on the mound. He was among the first Latin American players to find success in MLB, setting a precedent for future generations. His unique pitching style, featuring a variety of arm angles and deliveries, made him both a crowd favorite and a challenge for batters.
Following his playing career, Tiant stayed involved in baseball, serving as a minor league pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox organizations. He later took on the role of head coach of the baseball team at the Savannah College of Art and Design, a Division III program.
Tiant’s popularity reached beyond the baseball field. He made a memorable appearance on the hit TV show “Cheers” and introduced his own line of cigars under the “El Tiante” brand, reflecting his well-known passion for cigars.
Tiant maintained strong ties to his Cuban roots throughout his life. He participated in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League during parts of seven seasons between 1963 and 1982, clinching league titles with Leones del Caracas in the 1966-67 and 1967-68 seasons.
Tiant’s legacy in baseball is solidified by his induction 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.
Luis Tiant is survived by his wife, Maria, and their three children: Luis Jr., Isabel, and Daniel, and John Papile, whom he regarded as a son. His death marks the close of a chapter in baseball, but his influence on the sport and the memories he created for fans will live on for generations to come.
