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Baseball legend Luis Tiant has died at the age of 83, MLB.com reported on Tuesday (October 8).
Tiant, a native of Cuba, known affectionately as 'El Tiante,' played for six Major League Baseball franchise, but is best remembered for his first six seasons with the then-Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox for eight seasons.
“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 in a statement shared by MLB.com. “He was a pitcher with incredible talent, accomplishing so much with a style uniquely his own. But 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. He channeled everything into his love for the game and the people around him. He was magnetic and had a smile that could light up Fenway Park. Luis was truly one of a kind and all of us at the Red Sox will miss him.”
Tiant was a three-time All-Star, once with the Indians and twice with the Red Sox, and led the American League in ERA during the 1968 and 1972 seasons. The Cuban native also appeared in games for the Minnesota Twins (1970), New York Yankees (1979-80), Pittsburgh Pirates (1981) and then-California Angels (1982).
Titant finished his MLB career with a 229-172 record with 2,416 strikeouts and a 3.30 ERA.