Former Boston Red Sox pitching legend Luis Tiant died at his home in Maine Tuesaday, the team said. Tiant was 83.Known affectionally as “El Tiante,” Tiant spent 31 years in the Red Sox organization as a player, coach, broadcaster and special assignment instructor.Tiant had been living with health issues for the past year, sources told SportsCenter 5. “Luis had the kind of unforgettable presence that made you feel like you were part of his world,” said Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry. ” … what truly set Luis apart was his zest for life, embracing every moment with an infectious spirit, even in the face of his many challenges. … Luis was truly one-of-a-kind and all of us at the Red Sox will miss him.””Luis embodied everything we love about this game: resilience, passion, and an undeniable sense of belonging to something greater than himself,” said Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner. “He was a cornerstone of the Red Sox pitching staff for years, with an unmatched grit and tenacity on the mound.””When you were with him, you were reminded of what really matters. Whether you were a teammate, a fan, or just someone fortunate enough to share a conversation, Luis had a way of making you feel special, like you were a close friend,” said said Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy. “His legacy on the mound is undeniable, but all of us today are mourning the man, the friend, the mentor who connected generations of fans and players.”Former Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks said Tiant was one of his favorite people he ever met in the game. “He’d always come by my locker and give me a hug and kiss the top of my head if I was in my chair. Luckily I got to see him the last day of the regular season at Fenway for one last big hug. What a wonderful man,” Middlebrooks said. “Today is a very sad day. My friend and teammate, Luis Tiant, passed away. A Big game pitcher, a funny genuine guy who loved his family and baseball. I miss him already….RIP my friend,” former Red Sox player Fred Lynn posted on social media.Tiant, who is from Cuba, came to Boston after spending six years with the Cleveland Indians. He was signed as a free agent in 1978 with the New York Yankees and compiled a 21-17 record from 1979 to 1980. He then played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and finished his career with the California Angels in 1982. Tiante recorded more than 2,400 strikeouts, was a three-time MLB All Star and two-time American League ERA leader.Tiant was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 1997 and was considered for the MLB Hall of Fame several times, but fell short of the votes needed.Tiant is survived by his wife, Maria, and their four children, Luis Jr., Isabel, Daniel and John Papile.
Former Boston Red Sox pitching legend Luis Tiant died at his home in Maine Tuesaday, the team said. Tiant was 83.
Known affectionally as “El Tiante,” Tiant spent 31 years in the Red Sox organization as a player, coach, broadcaster and special assignment instructor.
Tiant had been living with health issues for the past year, sources told SportsCenter 5.
“Luis had the kind of unforgettable presence that made you feel like you were part of his world,” said Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry. ” … what truly set Luis apart was his zest for life, embracing every moment with an infectious spirit, even in the face of his many challenges. … Luis was truly one-of-a-kind and all of us at the Red Sox will miss him.”
“Luis embodied everything we love about this game: resilience, passion, and an undeniable sense of belonging to something greater than himself,” said Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner. “He was a cornerstone of the Red Sox pitching staff for years, with an unmatched grit and tenacity on the mound.”
“When you were with him, you were reminded of what really matters. Whether you were a teammate, a fan, or just someone fortunate enough to share a conversation, Luis had a way of making you feel special, like you were a close friend,” said said Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy. “His legacy on the mound is undeniable, but all of us today are mourning the man, the friend, the mentor who connected generations of fans and players.”
Former Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks said Tiant was one of his favorite people he ever met in the game.
“He’d always come by my locker and give me a hug and kiss the top of my head if I was in my chair. Luckily I got to see him the last day of the regular season at Fenway for one last big hug. What a wonderful man,” Middlebrooks said.
“Today is a very sad day. My friend and teammate, Luis Tiant, passed away. A Big game pitcher, a funny genuine guy who loved his family and baseball. I miss him already….RIP my friend,” former Red Sox player Fred Lynn posted on social media.
Tiant, who is from Cuba, came to Boston after spending six years with the Cleveland Indians. He was signed as a free agent in 1978 with the New York Yankees and compiled a 21-17 record from 1979 to 1980.
He then played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and finished his career with the California Angels in 1982.
Tiante recorded more than 2,400 strikeouts, was a three-time MLB All Star and two-time American League ERA leader.
Tiant was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 1997 and was considered for the MLB Hall of Fame several times, but fell short of the votes needed.
Tiant is survived by his wife, Maria, and their four children, Luis Jr., Isabel, Daniel and John Papile.