Luis Tiant, considered by many to be the best Cuban pitcher of all time and the protagonist of an impressive career in Major League Baseball (MLB), passed away this Tuesday at the age of 83 due to kidney problems.
Born in Havana in 1940, Tiant left an indelible mark in the major leagues, especially during his 19 seasons in the "Big Show," during which he wore the uniforms of the Cleveland Indians (Guardians) and, primarily, the Boston Red Sox.
According to information shared on social media by specialized journalist Francys Romero, who broke the news, Tiant accumulated 229 wins, making him the pitcher from the island with the most victories in MLB history.
With an effectiveness of 3.30, 2,416 strikeouts, and 49 shutouts, the capital player was a master on the mound, famous for his unique pitching style, capable of perplexing batters and possessing exquisite mechanics.
Among his most notable achievements, the one born in Marianao led the American League in earned run average on two occasions, particularly standing out in 1968 when he posted an astonishing ERA of 1.60, the lowest ever for a Latin American pitcher.
In addition, he was selected three times to the All-Star Game and accumulated 187 complete games in his career, a feat that is practically unheard of in modern baseball considering the new standards of the sport.
Despite his impressive statistics, which include 3,486 innings pitched, 66.1 wins above replacement (WAR), and an undefeated postseason record of 3-0 with an ERA of 2.86, Luis Tiant was unfortunately never inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, an omission that continues to generate debate in the baseball world.
In the historical ranking of Cuban major league players compiled by the journalist Michel Contreras for CiberCuba, this mound legend was placed fourth overall and number one among flamethrowers.
The legacy of Tiant as one of the greatest figures in Cuban and Latin American baseball remains intact, both for his achievements on the field and for the respect he inspired among his teammates, fans, and generations of players who grew up admiring his mastery on the mound.
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