Sports Then and Now

The baseball world lost one of its most charismatic and skilled pitchers on October 8, 2024, when Luis Tiant passed away at the age of 83. Known for his unorthodox delivery, fierce competitive spirit, and ability to excel in high-pressure situations, Tiant was a beloved figure both on and off the field. His career spanned from the mid-1960s to the early 1980s, with stints on teams like the Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and others. However, it was with the Boston Red Sox that Tiant made his most lasting impact, becoming a fan favorite and a symbol of perseverance.

From his early days in Cuba to his rise as one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, Tiant’s journey through the baseball world is a story of talent, resilience, and a never-give-up attitude. This article will look back on the remarkable career of Luis Tiant, highlighting his most significant achievements, his unique style, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Early Life and Journey to the Major Leagues

Luis Clemente Tiant was born on November 23, 1940, in Marianao, Cuba, into a baseball family. His father, Luis Tiant Sr., had been a star pitcher in the Negro Leagues, known for his grace and dominance on the mound. Young Luis followed in his father’s footsteps, showing a natural talent for pitching from an early age. He played in various Cuban leagues before catching the attention of Major League scouts, and in 1961, he signed with the Cleveland Indians organization.

The Sports Then and Now Vintage Athlete of the Month was the ace of the Boston Red Sox staff when they reached the 1975 World Series and is considered by many to be someone worthy of induction in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Luis Tiant, known as “El Tiante”, spent 19 years in the majors between 1964 and 1982.

Though he was 75-64 with a 2.84 ERA in six seasons with the Cleveland Indians and then helped the Minnesota Twins reach the playoffs in 1970, it appeared that Tiant’s career might be over following the 1970 season.

Luis Tiant won 229 games during his Major League career.

With the induction this weekend of John Smoltz, Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson to the Baseball Hall of Fame the committee has again sent a mixed message about what constitutes a Hall of Fame pitcher.

Johnson completed his career with 303 wins to rank 22nd all-time, but neither Martinez or Smoltz rank in the top 75 in career pitching victories. With 219 career wins, Martinez is tied for 76th in baseball history. Smoltz completed his career with 213 wins to rank tied for 89th.

Of course, the argument for both Martinez and Smoltz is that at their best, they were elite pitchers and worthy of Hall of Fame recognition.

While that argument can certainly be justified for Martinez, the numbers don’t quite work out that way for Smoltz.

Using the six seasons in which they won the most games as a benchmark, Martinez averaged a 19-6 record with a 2.28 ERA and 270 strikeouts. The average numbers for Smoltz were a 17-9 record with a 3.14 ERA and 221 strikeouts. Just as comparison, Johnson’s six top seasons averaged 20-7 with a 2.72 ERA and 330 strikeouts.

The numbers for Martinez and Johnson are comparable to many Hall of Famers, but the peak year stats for Smoltz appear rather pedestrian and are not especially better than those of several pitchers with comparable career numbers, but no Hall of Fame plaque.

One pitcher who has received increased support for the Hall of Fame in recent years, but has yet to earn his spot in Cooperstown is former Boston Red Sox great Luis Tiant.

During his 19 year major league career, Tiant posted a 229-172 record (.571 winning percentage) with a 3.30 ERA and 2416 strikeouts. His win total is greater than that of 23 Hall of Famers, including not only Martinez and Smoltz, but also Jim Bunning, Catfish Hunter, Don Drysdale, Bob Lemon and Sandy Koufax. Read the rest of this entry →