November 23, 1940: Birth of Luis Tiant
Luis Clemente Tiant Vega, known as El Tiante, was born on November 23, 1940. He would go on to become a celebrated Cuban Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher, playing in the MLB for 19 years, primarily with the Cleveland Indians and the Boston Red Sox.
1947: Start of Golden Era Committee's Era of Consideration
The Golden Era Committee's scope of consideration for Hall of Fame induction began in 1947.
1950: Start of Golden Days Committee's Era of Consideration
The Golden Days Committee, formed in 2016, focuses on the 1950-1969 era for Hall of Fame considerations.
1957: Cuban Juvenile League All-Star Selection
In 1957, a 16-year-old Luis Tiant was selected for the Cuban Juvenile League All-Star team, showcasing his early talent and potential in baseball.
1959: Signing with the Mexico City Tigers
Luis Tiant signed with the Mexico City Tigers of the Mexican League in 1959 for $150 a month, beginning his professional baseball career and splitting time with the Havana Sugar Kings.
1961: Contract Purchase by Cleveland Indians
In 1961, under the recommendation of Bobby Ávila, the Cleveland Indians purchased Luis Tiant's contract for $35,000. Due to tensions following the Bay of Pigs invasion, Tiant was unable to return to Cuba, resulting in a 14-year separation from his family.
1963: Start of Venezuelan Professional Baseball League Career
Luis Tiant's journey in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League began in 1963.
July 19, 1964: Luis Tiant's Major League Debut
On July 19, 1964, Luis Tiant made an impressive Major League debut for the Cleveland Indians, achieving a four-single, 11 strikeout, 3–0 shutout victory against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. He finished his rookie season with a 10–4 record.
1966: First Championship with Leones del Caracas
Tiant celebrated his first championship win as part of the Leones del Caracas team during the 1966-1967 season.
1967: Second Championship with Leones del Caracas
Continuing his success with Leones del Caracas, Tiant won another championship in the 1967-1968 season, solidifying his place as a valuable asset to the team.
1969: End of Golden Days Committee's Era of Consideration
The Golden Days Committee's era of consideration for potential Hall of Fame inductees concludes in 1969.
1970: Start of Modern Era Committee's Era of Consideration
The Modern Era Baseball Committee, responsible for evaluating players from 1970 to 1987 for the Hall of Fame, began its period of consideration.
1971: Throwing a No-Hitter
In 1971, Tiant achieved a remarkable feat by pitching a no-hitter during his time in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League.
1972: End of Golden Era Committee's Era of Consideration
The Golden Era Committee's era of focus for potential Hall of Fame inductees concluded in 1972.
1975: Red Sox Championship Season and World Series Appearance
Despite struggling with back problems, Luis Tiant secured 18 wins for the Red Sox in 1975, contributing to their American League Championship. He excelled in the postseason, leading them to victory against the Oakland Athletics and pitching a shutout in the World Series opener against the Cincinnati Reds. This game was particularly special as his parents were able to watch him play from the stands, having been granted a special visa to travel from Cuba.
1976: All-Star Season with the Red Sox
Luis Tiant had a stellar year in 1976, achieving All-Star status with a 21-12 record and further solidifying his place as a fan favorite and one of the greatest pitchers in Red Sox history.
1977: Continued Success with the Red Sox
Tiant maintained a strong performance in 1977, achieving a 12-8 record with the Red Sox.
1978: Signing with the Yankees
At the end of the 1978 season, Tiant embarked on a new chapter in his career, signing with the New York Yankees as a free agent.
1978: Final Season with the Red Sox
In 1978, Tiant concluded his time with the Red Sox with a 13-8 record.
1979: Start of Yankees Tenure
Tiant's time with the Yankees began in 1979, marking a new phase in his baseball career.
1980: End of Classic Baseball Era Committee's Era of Consideration
The Classic Baseball Era committee considers personnel active before 1980 for Hall of Fame induction.
1980: Two Seasons with the Yankees
Tiant concluded his two-season stint with the Yankees in 1980, having achieved a 21-17 record during his time in New York.
1981: Signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates
In 1981, Tiant joined the Pittsburgh Pirates as a free agent, pitching in 9 games with a 2-5 record and a 3.92 ERA. He also played for the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate, the Portland Beavers, where he started 21 games, achieving a 13-7 record and a 3.82 ERA.
1982: Concluding his MLB Career with the California Angels
Tiant finished his Major League Baseball career in 1982 with a short stint playing for the California Angels. He played in 6 games, ending with a 2-2 record and a 5.76 ERA.
1982: End of Venezuelan Professional Baseball League Career
Tiant's time in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League concluded in 1982, marking the end of his run in the league.
January 6, 1983: Appearance on "Cheers"
Luis Tiant made a guest appearance on the popular television show "Cheers" in the episode "Now Pitching, Sam Malone," which aired on January 6, 1983. In the episode, he shared the screen with Ted Danson's character, Sam Malone, for a beer commercial.
1987: End of Modern Era Committee's Era of Consideration
The Modern Era Baseball Committee concluded its designated period of consideration for potential Hall of Fame candidates, which spanned from 1970 to 1987.
1988: First Appearance on the Hall of Fame Ballot
Tiant's journey toward potential induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame began in 1988 when he first appeared on the ballot.
1989: Senior Professional Baseball Association Experience
Tiant briefly participated in the Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989. Initially signed with the Winter Haven Super Sox, he was later traded to the Gold Coast Suns in exchange for Ralph Garr and 500 Teddy Ruxpin toys. His time with the Suns resulted in an 0-1 record and a 5.00 ERA.
1992: Start of Minor League Coaching Career
Tiant transitioned from playing to coaching in 1992, beginning his journey as a minor league pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers' farm system.
1995: End of Time with the Dodgers' Farm System
In 1995, Tiant finished his tenure as a pitching coach within the Los Angeles Dodgers' farm system.
1996: Coaching the Nicaraguan Olympic Team
In 1996, Tiant took on the role of pitching coach for the Nicaraguan national baseball team during the Summer Olympics, sharing his expertise on an international stage.
1997: Induction into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame
In 1997, Luis Tiant was inducted into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame, celebrating his significant contributions and legacy with the team.
1997: Coaching for the Chicago White Sox's Farm System
Tiant furthered his coaching experience in 1997 by working with the Chicago White Sox's farm system as a pitching coach, contributing to the development of future baseball talent.
1998: Head Coach at Savannah College of Art and Design
Taking on a new challenge, Tiant served as the head coach for the Savannah College of Art and Design's baseball team, an NCAA Division III program, from 1998 onward, further showcasing his dedication to baseball beyond his professional playing career.
2001: Residing in Massachusetts
As of 2001, Tiant and his wife, Maria, were residing in Southborough, Massachusetts, with their three children: Luis Jr., Isabel, and Daniel.
2001: Concluding Time as Head Coach
Tiant's time as head coach for the Savannah College of Art and Design's baseball team concluded in 2001. During his tenure, his teams achieved a 55-97 record, reflecting a .366 winning percentage.
2002: Pitching Coach for the Lowell Spinners
In 2002, Tiant continued to contribute to the development of young talent as the pitching coach for the Lowell Spinners, Boston's Class A Short Season affiliate. He continued his involvement with the Red Sox organization, serving as a special assignment instructor.
2002: Final Year on the Hall of Fame Ballot
In 2002, Tiant reached the 15-year limit for appearing on the Baseball Writers' Association of America ballot for the Hall of Fame. Despite receiving 30.9% of the votes in his first year, he fell short of the required threshold for induction, concluding his eligibility through this avenue.
2002: Induction into the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame
Luis Tiant was honored with an induction into the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame in 2002, recognizing his impact on the sport and his cultural contributions.
April 23, 2009: Premiere of "The Lost Son of Havana"
The documentary film "The Lost Son of Havana," which tells the story of Luis Tiant's return to his birthplace in Cuba, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 23, 2009. The film, produced by Kris Meyer and the Farrelly brothers and directed by Jonathan Hock, was later acquired by ESPN Films.
2009: Induction into the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame
In 2009, Luis Tiant received a significant honor with his induction into the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, cementing his legacy in the sport and recognizing his contributions to baseball in Venezuela.
2011: First Consideration by Golden Era Committee
Tiant was considered for Hall of Fame induction by the Golden Era Committee in 2011.
2012: Induction into the Baseball Reliquary's Shrine of the Eternals
Luis Tiant was inducted into the Baseball Reliquary's Shrine of the Eternals in 2012, celebrating his unique contributions and enduring legacy in baseball.
2013: Ceremonial First Pitch at the World Series
In a special appearance in 2013, Tiant, alongside his former teammate Carlton Fisk, threw the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park for Game 6 of the World Series, a game that ultimately led to the Red Sox's championship victory.
2014: Second Consideration by Golden Era Committee
Tiant received another consideration for the Hall of Fame from the Golden Era Committee in 2014.
July 2016: Replacement of the Golden Era Committee
In July 2016, the Hall of Fame's Golden Era Committee, responsible for evaluating candidates from 1947-1972, was replaced by the Golden Days Committee, which focuses on the 1950-1969 era.
2017: Consideration by Modern Era Baseball Committee
In 2017, the Modern Era Baseball Committee reviewed Tiant's qualifications for the Hall of Fame.
December 2021: First Hall of Fame Selections by Golden Days Committee
The Golden Days Committee announced its inaugural Hall of Fame inductees in December 2021.
April 2022: Announcement of Changes to Veterans Committee Processes
April 2022 saw changes being made to the Veterans Committee processes, potentially influencing future Hall of Fame considerations.
2025: Potential Consideration by Classic Baseball Era Committee
Tiant could be considered for the Hall of Fame again in 2025 by the Classic Baseball Era committee.
