Luis Tiant passed earlier this year without seeing his dream come true of being enshrined in Cooperstown, the second Cuban this has happened to, Minnie Miñoso had this same experience. Minoso was later inducted by a Veteran’s Committee. Although it might goes against his wishes it would be justice served to induct the greatest Cuban pitcher to grace the field in the major leagues.
The flamethrower was purchased in 1961 by the Cleveland Indians from the Mexico City Tigers for 35 grand. Tiant made his debut in 1964 on the 19th of July for Cleveland and on that day he tossed a complete game four hitter against the New York Yankees. That season he finished 10-4 with a 2.83 ERA and 115 SO’s. “El Tiante” as he is known by the Cuban faithful finished his 19-year Major League career with 229 wins and a 3.30 ERA while pitching for Cleveland (1964-69), Minnesota (’70), Boston (’71-78), the Yankees (’79-80), Pittsburgh (’81) and the Angels (’82). Tiant finished fifth in the AL MVP voting in 1968 after posting an AL-best 1.60 ERA .
He also recorded at least 12 wins in eight straight seasons from 1972-79. The only pitchers with more wins than Tiant’s 134 over that eight-season stretch were Steve Carlton (148), Jim Palmer (146), Gaylord Perry (145), Tom Seaver (140), Nolan Ryan (138) and Phil Niekro (137) , all of whom are in the Hall of Fame. If we compare numbers Tiant’s statistics mirror those the great Jim “Catfish ” Hunter.
Tiant had this to say about a possible posthumous induction to me during an interview,” It bothers me a little or better said I feel uncomfortable about it. Everyone knows what I did, and we all know the numbers I put up, that’s something they can never take from me. I had to jump through plenty of obstacles to get where I’ve gotten to and in spite of that I still had a stellar career. For them not to put me in the HOF just because is the ultimate disrespect. I told my family if I’m elected after I die to not attend the ceremony because I consider a posthumous election inhuman.”
In closing Luis Tiant should have been in the HOF a long time ago, but for some reason that escapes me he is not. Is this just? Well ask any knowledgeable baseball fan and the will more than likely not agree with it being something kosher. Will he get in this go-around most of the Cuban population stateside and on the island is quietly keeping there fingers crossed and hoping this is the year “Little Louie” finally get justice.
Classic ERA Committee Ballot:
Luis Tiant RHP
Dick Allen IF
Ken Boyer IF
John Donalson LHP
Steve Garvey IF
Dave Parker OF
Vic Harris OF
Tommy John LHP