Posted on 10/08/2024 2:33:46 PM PDT by Rummyfan
With his whirling, twisting delivery -- strikingly unique from any other pitcher in history -- Luis Tiant turned his performances into theater. During the peak of his career in the 1970s, you didn’t need a radio or television to know that Tiant was pitching at Fenway Park.
Throughout the packed houses he pitched in front of, cries of “Looie, Looie, Looie!” echoed around Kenmore Square and other parts of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.
The lovably charismatic El Tiante -- as he came to be known throughout his memorable career -- died on Tuesday at the age of 83.
“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. “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.”
(Excerpt) Read more at mlb.com ...
I remember he shut out my Reds 6-0 in Game 1 of the 75 Series. What a great series that was!
As a Cleveland Indians fan, I remember him pitching in 1968. 1.63 ERA, 21 victories for the 3rd place Indians. We also had Sonny Siebert and Sam McDowell. Luis had no chance for a Cy Young award: Mickey Lolich had 31 victories. He was the last 30 game winner.
Memory Eternal, Luis!
Here’s Luis’ windup. I think if a pitcher did this today, the hitters would totally freak out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md2k4NdOPmA
It is amazing to recall that Luis Tiant was considered to be washed up after he was released by the Minnesota Twins at the age of 29.
The Boston Red Sox took a chance on Luis and, after a poor initial season at Fenway Park, Tiant made a strong comeback. He began winning regularly and continued pitching at the major league level until the age of 41.
But you did something that not many people can say. Bravo!
When he pitched for the Yankees he did TV commercials for Colonial brand hot dogs and bacon in the NYC metro area. They were hysterical ads because the guy spoke broken English and the viewer could barely understand him. LOL.
The advt worked because you remembered the product. I was taught one thing about advertising in college. The purpose of advertising is to get you to try the product. After that the product is the advertisement.
Trying to think of the “Submarine” thrower back in the day...that was another imitation that ended up through the bathroom window.
Heh, yep...we’d do it with rotten fruit off the ground, acorns, etc...always with the “El Tiante” to warn somebody they’re about to get nailed.
Denny McClain... but who cares I got ya.
Between Bob Gibson (1.12 ERA for the season and 22 wins, almost all of them complete games) and Denny McClain, the two Cy Young Awards for 1968 were wrapped up. Pitchers were so dominant that season that the mound was lowered in 1969.
The first pitch in Game 1 of the 1975 World Series was by Luis Tiant to Pete Rose.
RIP
Always balked when pitching from the stretch, but a great pitcher nonetheless.
El Tiante! I loved watching him twist himself to face center field before delivering a pitch. What a unique pitcher!
“Denny McClain... but who cares I got ya.”
Oops! I remembered us losing to Mickey a lot. I conflated Mickey and Denny.
El Tiante was great, but his delivery was far from unique. Ramon Hernandez, a reliever with the Pirates in the early 70's, had a similar twist. He was left handed and would turn his back on the batter then come around side-arm to lefty hitters - made some of the best left handed hitters in the game look downright silly.
RIP El Tiante!
It was great chatting with you in Ft Meyers in 1990.
Hahahahaha...just seeing that name "Luis Tiant" brought back so many good memories...being in Navy Boot Camp...coming home in the late summer of 76 on leave, walking along some railroad tracks with ten or so people from the CYO band I had left (with my best friend) to join the Navy at the end of the previous summer, on our way to jump off a rope swing into the Hopkington Reservoir. Hahaha...all of us thin as whips, long hair (except for me-I was in the Navy, about eight months into the fleet, home on leave) and hanging around with all of our best friends the entire week.
This was me wearing my ever present leather hat, which is how my friends knew me:
Then, a month later, I was here:
Yes. The 1970's were, for me, a time when the world was indeed my oyster. It was a good time.
And just hearing that name: "Luis Tiant" brought all of that back to me in a rush. How I loved that time and those people...:)
Thank you, Luis Tiant. Thank you for triggering those memories!
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