Red Sox owners mourn the death of ‘one-of-a-kind’ ‘El Tiante’ Luis Tiant
Red Sox Hall of Famer Luis Tiant passed away on Tuesday, he was 83 years old. The team’s ownership group paid tribute to the former All-Star pitcher in a handful of statements released by the club.
Tiant, also known as “El Tiante,” pitched for the Red Sox from 1971 to 1979 and spent 31 years in the organization as a player, coach, broadcaster, and special assignment instructor.
Red Sox owner John Henry called Tiant a “one-of-a-kind” presence in his statement on his death.
“Luis had the kind of unforgettable presence that made you feel like you were part of his world,” said Henry in a team 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.”
While with the Red Sox, Tiant compiled a 122-81 record with a 3.36 ERA and ranks amongst the franchise’s all-time leaders in wins (5th, 122), starts (5th, 238), innings pitched (4th, 1,774 2/3), strikeouts (7th, 1,075), complete games (tied-6h, 113), and shutouts (4th, 26).
Luis Tiant: Baseball Reference Page | HOF remembers “El Tiant”
He won 20 games or more three times during his Red Sox tenure, while finishing eighth in MVP voting in 1972 after he posted a 1.91 ERA, which led the American League that season.
“Luis embodied everything we love about this game: resilience, passion, and an undeniable sense of belonging to something greater than himself," said team chairman Tom Werner. “He was a cornerstone of the Red Sox pitching staff for years, with an unmatched grit and tenacity on the mound. His ability to rise in the most pressure-filled moments—especially his complete-game performances—cemented his place as a true legend. But what made Luis unforgettable was his vibrant personality. He was a gifted storyteller, always sharing tales filled with humor, honesty, and an enduring loyalty to his teammates. All of us are deeply saddened by his passing. We lost one of the great ones today.”
Tiant was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 1997 and has been a fixture around the organization since 2022.
“Luis had a style of pitching that was as memorable as it was effective, but to me, the rarer gift was his ability to lift you up with just a smile,” said Red Sox president & CEO Sam Kennedy. “When you were with him, you were reminded of what really matters. Whether you were a teammate, a fan, or just someone fortunate enough to share a conversation, Luis had a way of making you feel special, like you were a close friend. His legacy on the mound is undeniable, but all of us today are mourning the man, the friend, the mentor who connected generations of fans and players. I am gutted by the news of his passing and will miss him more than words can express. Spring Training won’t be the same without Luis’s infectious energy spreading throughout camp.”
The right-hander had 229 career wins with a 3.30 ERA and 2,416 strikeouts across 19 MLB seasons.
