MIAMI, United States. – Former Cuban pitcher Luis Tiant, baseball legend, was included among the eight candidates who will be considered for inclusion in the Baseball Hall of Fame. The meeting to evaluate the nominations will be held on December 8 during the winter meetings in Dallas.
Tiant, who He died last October 8 at the age of 83.is remembered for his outstanding career in the Major Leagues between 1964 and 1982. He recorded a record of 229 wins and 172 losses, with an ERA of 3.30. He was selected three times for the All-Star Game and twice won the American League ERA title. In addition, he achieved four seasons with 20 or more wins, establishing himself as one of the most consistent pitchers of his time.
Along with Tiant, the list of candidates includes Dick Allen, Dave Parker, Tommy John, Steve Garvey, Ken Boyer, John Donaldson and Vic Harris, according to The Hall of Fame reported this Monday. The committee will evaluate players, managers, umpires and executives whose contributions to baseball predated 1980.
“75% support will be needed to be elevated to the Hall of Fame,” the official statement said. The committee’s 16 voters will be announced close to the meeting date. Those chosen will be inducted in the ceremony scheduled for July 27, along with the players who are selected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of North America, whose results will be announced on January 21.
Among the candidates, Parker, John and Garvey are the only ones still alive.
Tiant, known for his peculiar style on the mound, earned a place in baseball history with his 229 victories in the Major Leagues. The sports journalist Francys Romero described it as someone who “signified an era among Cubans in the Major Leagues and outside as well.” “He leaves with an incomparable legacy,” he said.
Born on November 23, 1940 in Marianao, HavanaTiant followed in the footsteps of his father, also a pitcher, and established himself as one of the best pitchers of his generation. His career began in the local youth leagues of Cuba before being recommended by Roberto “Beto” Ávila for the Mexico City Tigers. After a brief performance in the Cuban Professional League, he was hired by the Cleveland Indians in 1964, debuting with an impressive victory over the New York Yankees.
Several sports journalists have noted that one of Tiant’s most distinctive characteristics was his throwing. He turned his body with his back to the batter before releasing the ball, a unique style that left its mark on baseball. In addition, his Fu Manchu-style mustache and his inseparable tobacco off the field made him an unmistakable figure. This is how he described it The New Herald in February of this year.
Over the course of his career, Tiant was a four-time winner of 20 or more games in a season, and led the American League in ERA in 1968 with an astonishing 1.60 ERA. Despite injuries that disrupted his performance, Tiant recovered and continued to be dominant, especially during his time with the Boston Red Sox, where he became a key figure.
