Ex-MLB star Luis Tiant dead at 83

4046


Luis Tiant, a three-time MLB All-Star who pitched for the Boston Red Sox, among other teams, has died. He was 83.

Tiant, who was lovingly known in baseball circles as “El Tiante,” died on Tuesday, a team source told the Boston Globe. Major League Baseball announced Tiant’s death as well.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Luis Tiant throws out first pitch

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Luis Tiant throws out the first pitch prior to a game against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park in Boston on July 20, 2013. (Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports)

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Luis Tiant,” the league said on X. “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 1972 for Boston. The Cuba native also pitched for the Yankees, Twins, Pirates and Angels. He was 83.”

Former Red Sox outfielder Fred Lynn and others paid tribute to Tiant on social media.

“Today is a very sad day, Lynn wrote on X along with a picture of himself and Tiant. “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.”

Luis Tiant, left, wears a World Series ring.

Luis Tiant, left, wears a World Series ring. (Andrea Melendez/The News-Press/USA Today Florida Network, Fort Myers News-Press via Imagn Content Services, LLC)

YANKEES STAR’S WIFE REVEALS VILE MESSAGES FROM FANS AMID TEAM’S ALDS LOSS TO ROYALS

The Cuba native started his career with the Cleveland Indians in 1964, and he earned his first All-Star appearance in 1968 as he led the American League with a 1.60 ERA and recorded nine shutouts. He played for the Indians through the 1969 season before playing one year with the Minnesota Twins.

He joined the Red Sox in 1971 and was an All-Star two more times – in 1974 and 1976. He led the majors with a 1.91 ERA in 1972.

Tiant went on to play with the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and California Angels until he retired from the majors following the 1982 season.

Luis Tiant plays for Indians

Cleveland Indians pitcher Luis Tiant, #33, delivers a pitch at Cleveland Stadium during the 1966 season in Cleveland. (Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Tiant’s career spanned 19 years. He had a 3.30 ERA and 2,416 strikeouts.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.





Source link