Before one Boston Red Sox legend was officially inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in David Ortiz, another legend got some support for induction.
Former Red Sox pitcher Luis Tiant got a shoutout during the induction speech of Minnesota Twins legend Tony Oliva, who was inducted Sunday at the age of 84. Oliva took some time to highlight some of his former teammates during his speech. The former outfielder made a point to highlight that Tiant, who like Oliva hails from Cuba, also belongs in Cooperstown.
“I had an opportunity to play with another guy, my teammate. I think he should be in the Hall of Fame, because in the 60s and 70s, he was the No. 3 pitcher in the American League. This young man is Luis Tiant,” Oliva said. “I think, pretty soon, you’re gonna see him.”
Tiant played one season in Minnesota alongside Oliva before landing in Boston, where he spent the most time during his playing career. Tiant was a three-time All-Star and two-time AL ERA champ. During eight seasons with the Red Sox, he went 122-81 with a 3.36 ERA.
Tiant is a member of the Red Sox Hall of Fame and is a regular presence around the organization, including helping the club out during spring training.
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