Throughout the crowded venues he played in, chants of “Looie, Looie, Looie!” resonated around Kenmore Square and various areas of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.
The beloved and charismatic El Tiante, as he became affectionately known during his remarkable career, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 83.
However, he created a legacy that will not be forgotten by those who knew him, played alongside him, or cheered for him.
“At least people still remember me and remember what I did all those years,” Tiant said in a 2017 interview with MLB.com. “I know what I’ve had to do with my life, and I’m lucky. I’m lucky I played all those years. God gave me the opportunity to play. What more can you ask? You can’t ask for more than that.”
His teammates never sought more than what Tiant provided.
“Nobody was a tougher competitor — or a better teammate. He meant too much to us, and to the fans. We all loved him,” wrote Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski in the foreword of Tiant’s autobiography, “Son of Havana,” published in 2019.
We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of three-time All-Star Luis Tiant, who has passed away at 83.
Luis started three games for the @RedSox in the ‘75 World Series, with two complete games and 25.0 innings pitched. He accompanied @MLB on the 2016… pic.twitter.com/GHkwzwJvQI
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) October 8, 2024
During his 19-year Major League career, the Cuban native achieved a career record of 229-172 with a 3.30 ERA, playing for teams including Cleveland (1964-69), Minnesota (’70), Boston (’71-78), the Yankees (’79-80), Pittsburgh (’81), and the Angels (’82).
When fellow Cuban Tony Oliva was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022, he expressed on stage during a scorching Sunday in Cooperstown, N.Y., that Tiant also deserved to be honored.
While Tiant never received the call from the Hall, the three-time All-Star led the American League in Baseball Reference WAR for pitchers in 1968 and ranked in the top 10 in seven other seasons. That ’68 season was the Year of the Pitcher, and Tiant excelled, posting a 1.60 ERA in what became the first of his four 20-win seasons.
The 1975 World Series, where the determined Red Sox faced the formidable Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine in a captivating seven-game series, transformed Tiant into a household name.
By 1969, Tiant began experiencing arm problems, causing his ERA to rise to 3.71. In 1970, he started strong at 6-0 for the Twins, but disaster struck when he felt a popping sensation during a breaking ball, leading to a diagnosis of a broken scapula.
At that time, medical science hadn’t advanced much, and doctors told Tiant he might never pitch again.
After being cut by the Twins just before spring training in 1971, Tiant joined the Braves’ Minor League system, but was released after a month. Fortunately, the Red Sox signed him two days later, a decision that became one of their best in history. As he regained arm strength after being recalled from the Minors, Tiant struggled with a 1-7 record and a 4.85 ERA in 21 appearances.
Entering 1972, expectations were low for Tiant, but that year marked his reinvention. Lacking his former dazzling fastball, Tiant developed a unique delivery that astonished viewers.
As broadcaster Joe Garagiola noted, “If you’re sitting in center field, you got to see his eyeballs. Look at that.”
Tiant explained his approach in a documentary: “I knew I needed something different. I had to do something so I could hide the ball better to keep me back more. It gave me more power. I changed my delivery completely.”
For the Red Sox, Tiant emerged as a formidable force, winning 81 games between 1973-76.
In 1975, everything aligned for Tiant, both personally and professionally. With easing relations between the United States and Cuba, Senator Edward Brooke appealed to Castro to allow Tiant’s parents to visit after 14 years. Senator George McGovern hand-delivered the request, which Castro granted, permitting Tiant’s parents to stay in the U.S. as long as they wished.
Luis Sr. and Isabel Rovina Vega Tiant arrived in Boston in August 1975. At that point, Luis Jr., now a husband and father, was overcome with joy as he welcomed his parents.
One of the most poignant moments of that season occurred on August 26, when the Red Sox invited Tiant’s father to throw the ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Angels. As Luis Sr. delivered a perfect pitch, his son proudly held his father’s sport coat from behind the mound.
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