Remembering The Great Pitcher, Luis Tiant

I started my remembrance of the great, exciting, (is it redundant to say colorful?), Luis Tiant, who died days back at age 85, with a positive video of Luis facing Pete Rose as the first batter of what turned into a classic 1975 World Series. (Broadcasters in order of “appearance” are Curt Gowdy, Tony Kubek and Dick Stockton).

Of course each starred in that World Series, Tiant winning twice and the Red Sox 3 wins in the 3 Tiant starts while Pete was the Series MVP.

Alas another of course is that neither Luis or Pete made the Hall of Fame while alive. Sad and wrong and I will leave it there.

Mr. Tiant, (another Mr. Tiant, his father was a great pitcher, denied opportunity, who I believe was lauded by Babe Ruth), had an incredible 1.60 ERA in 1968.

He was not allowed back in Cuba and did not see his parents for 14 years, setting the scene for Mr. Tiant Sr. to watch son Luis shutout the mighty Reds in game and also entertain with his baserunning after getting a base hit.

Truly memorable the game, the inning and the great Luis Tiant.

Luis Tiant, pictured above.