BOSTON (AP) — Luis Tiant, the Cuban pitcher known for his distinctive horseshoe mustache and captivating windup, has passed away at the age of 83. Tiant, who played a crucial role in leading the Red Sox near a World Series title and was a perennial contender for the baseball Hall of Fame, was announced deceased by Major League Baseball in a post on X on Tuesday. The Red Sox later confirmed he died at his home in Maine.
“Today is a very sad day,” wrote Fred Lynn, a former teammate in both Boston and California, on X. “A big-game pitcher, a genuinely funny guy who adored his family and the sport. I already miss him.”
FILE – Boston Red Sox pitcher Luis Tiant is pictured in 1974. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin, File)
Renowned for his energetic style and the idiosyncratic wiggling alignment that bewildered batters, “El Tiante” was a three-time All-Star and achieved four seasons with 20 or more wins. His standout year came in 1968 while with the Cleveland Indians, boasting a 21-9 record with 19 complete games, including nine shutouts—four back-to-back. His impressive 1.60 ERA that season led the American League and marked the best in 50 years, leading him to fifth place in the AL Most Valuable Player voting behind Denny McLain, who won both the MVP and Cy Young Awards.
The accolades earned in 1968, when Tiant’s performance alongside Bob Gibson’s 1.12 ERA in the National League earned that year the moniker “Year of the Pitcher,” contributed to a notable change in the game: the decision to lower the pitching mound to level the playing field for hitters. In 1972, Tiant again laid claim to the AL ERA title with a 1.91 mark while playing for the Red Sox, narrowly missing the Cy Young award which was given to Gaylord Perry.
“Luis represented everything we cherish about baseball: perseverance, passion, and an undeniable connection to something larger than himself,” said Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner. “What made him truly memorable was his vibrant spirit. Luis was a master storyteller, spinning tales infused with humor, honesty, and unshakeable loyalty to his teammates. His passing leaves us heartbroken; we’ve lost one of the greats today.”
Growing up as the son of a Negro Leagues star, Tiant finished his major league career with a record of 229 wins and 172 losses, accompanied by a 3.30 ERA and 2,416 strikeouts. He achieved 187 complete games and 47 shutouts over a 19-year career primarily with the Cleveland Indians and the Boston Red Sox.
The news of his death follows closely after that of Pete Rose, the all-time hits leader, whose Cincinnati Reds faced Tiant’s Red Sox in the iconic 1975 World Series, widely regarded as one of the finest postseason matchups in baseball history.
In that riveting series, Tiant debuted his dominant presence by shutting out the Reds during Game 1, throwing 155 pitches in a complete game victory for Game 4, and taking on eight innings in Game 6, which the Red Sox won on Carlton Fisk’s legendary home run in the bottom of the 12th inning. Although the Reds ultimately triumphed in a seven-game thriller, the 1975 World Series is frequently referred to as the greatest ever.
This matchup also popularized Tiant’s unique pitching technique, characterized by a wiggling motion as he faced the batter before executing his throw. His distinctive style inspired countless children across New England and beyond, but no one could replicate Tiant’s unique flair.
“Luis possessed an unforgettable aura that made everyone feel part of his remarkable universe,” shared Red Sox owner John Henry. “He poured his heart into his love for baseball and the people in his life. His magnetic presence and radiant smile could light up Fenway Park.”
After retiring in 1982, Tiant transitioned into coaching in the minor leagues for teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox and served as the pitching coach for Nicaragua during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He continued to be involved with the Red Sox during spring training, frequently seen at Fenway Park, where he signed autographs at the El Tiante Cuban sandwich stand.
Though Tiant was honored by being inducted into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame, he fell short of being enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, receiving a mere 30.9% of the votes during his first eligibility in 1988. His candidacy was revisited and declined by veterans committees on three occasions.
“It’s a tough day to hear of Luis Tiant’s passing. He was a player we loved having in the clubhouse,” tweeted former Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis. “His infectious laughter and playful banter made every moment enjoyable. I am forever grateful for the time I shared with this legend. May his memory be a blessing!”
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