Famous Cuban MLB pitcher Luis Tiant has died at the age of 83

CNN
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Popular Cuban baseball player Luis Tiant died Tuesday at his home in Maine, according to the Boston Red Sox. He was 83.

The right-hander, nicknamed “El Tiante” and known for his signature mustache, played for six teams during his 19-season MLB career.

Tiant played for Cleveland, Minnesota, Boston, the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh before finishing his career with the California Angels.

His unique pitching motion featured a very noticeable windup – he twisted at the waist to essentially rotate his entire body away from home plate, flashing his famous No. 23 jersey at the batter – before throwing the ball fired with an almost side-armed pitch.

“Luis had an unforgettable presence that made you feel like you were part of his world,” said John Henry, principal owner of the Boston Red Sox, where Tiant played from 1971 to 1978.

“He was a pitcher with incredible talent who achieved so much with a style all his own. But what truly set Luis apart was his joy of life, embracing every moment with an infectious spirit, even in the face of his many challenges. He channeled it all 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.”

The Marianao-born hurler twice led the American League in ERA and won 229 games in his career, according to MLB.

Tiant was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 1997 and was a three-time MLB All-Star.

“Today is a very sad day. “My friend and teammate Luis Tiant has passed away,” Tiant’s former teammate and nine-time All-Star Fred Lynn posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“A big-game pitcher, a fun, genuine guy who loved his family and baseball. I miss him already…Peace, my friend.”