Luis Tiant, Boston Red Sox Star Known as 'El Tiante,' Dead at 83
Legendary Cuban MLB pitcher Luis Tiant has died.
He was 83.
Major League Baseball confirmed the star's passing Tuesday, October 8, although the baseball player's cause of death has yet to be revealed.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Luis Tiant. In a Major League career that spanned 19 seasons, "El Tiante" made three All-Star teams and won 20 or more games four times," MLB wrote in a heartfelt post on Twitter, now called X.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Luis Tiant. In a Major League career that spanned 19 seasons, "El Tiante" made three All-Star teams and won 20 or more games four times. Tiant won two ERA titles in the American League - one in 1968 for Cleveland, and another in… pic.twitter.com/wVNQj9f1pc
— MLB (@MLB) October 8, 2024
"Tiant won two ERA titles in the American League — one in 1968 for Cleveland, and another in 1972 for Boston. The Cuba native also pitched for the Yankees, Twins, Pirates and Angels. He was 83," the league concluded.
Fans expressed their opinion in the comment section, in addition to sending their condolences and penning heartfelt wishes for him to rest in peace.
"Another legend that should be in the HOF," one fan wrote. "Rest in peace, El Tiante. A true icon on and off the mound, your legacy in baseball will live on forever. Thank you for the unforgettable memories," a second penned. "Luis Tiant was a pitching wizard who left his mark on the game. Rest in power, El Tiante," a third replied.
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The decorated right-hand pitcher won a whopping 229 games in his career, including 122 with his team, the Boston Red Sox, earning an average of 3.30 within 2,416 career strikeouts through the longevity of his career, per 'ESPN.'
After his time spent with the Red Sox, the player pitched for the New York Yankees for two years, in addition to one in Pittsburgh, and the California Angels — which marked his final season, per the sports news outlet.
As one fan pointed out that the player should have taken a spot in MLB's Hall of Fame, there's some evidence to prove that Tiant may have also shared the same sentiment. The star was inducted into the Red Sox HOF in 1997, but sat on Baseball's HOF ballot for 15 years.
Despite being considered on the "Golden Era" ballot, he failed to acquire the votes necessary to solidify his name on the list.
"I think I deserve to be in Cooperstown, but I have something to say to those who elect me: If you don't take me in life, don't try to elect me after I die, please," he boldly told 'ESPN Deportes' back in August 2008, per the media outlet.
The beloved player is survived by his wife, Maria, and three children: Luis Jr., Isabel, and Daniel.
