Resignation.

This word encapsulates Luis Tiant’s feelings regarding his repeated exclusions from Hall of Fame voting when he spoke to YSL News Sports in September 2021.

“You have to let go of those things,” Tiant remarked three months prior to the Golden Days committee’s selection of fellow Cuban stars Tony Oliva and Orestes “Minnie” Miñoso for the Hall of Fame.

“I won’t waste my time on it. When they’re ready to induct me, I hope I’m still around because I’ve told my family and my wife, ‘If they put me in after I pass away, don’t go. Don’t collect anything or say anything.’

Tiant passed away on Tuesday at the age of 83 without ever receiving a plaque in Cooperstown.

Despite achieving a remarkable record with 229 wins, a 3.30 career ERA, and 2,416 strikeouts, Tiant’s accomplishments have not earned him a place in the Hall of Fame. He was a four-time 20-game winner, a three-time All-Star, and led the American League in ERA on two occasions: 1.60 in 1968 and 1.91 in 1972.

For instance, Hall of Fame pitcher Catfish Hunter, who was inducted in 1987 during his third appearance on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot, had 224 wins, a 3.26 ERA, and 2,012 strikeouts. Hunter recorded 20 or more victories five times (1971-1975), made eight All-Star teams, and won a Cy Young Award in 1974 when he led the AL with 25 wins and a 2.49 ERA.

Tiant appeared on the BBWAA ballot 15 times but never received more than 30.9% support in his first year of eligibility in 1988.

“It’s outrageous that Luis Tiant isn’t in the Hall of Fame,” tweeted longtime Boston Globe columnist Bob Ryan on Tuesday.

Over the years, Tiant’s candidacy was examined by different Hall of Fame committees six times, the most recent being in 2018 by the Modern Baseball Era Committee, where he received fewer than 7 of the 12 needed votes for induction.

“I’ve always maintained that he should be in the Hall of Fame due to his impressive numbers and his work, especially with the Red Sox,” shared Hall of Famer Tony Pérez with Our Esquina on Tuesday. “What he achieved was remarkable. He would do anything to get batters out.”

Tiant began his major league career in 1964 with the Cleveland Indians, known for his powerful arm—he struck out 264 batters during his 1968 season when he had a 21-9 record. After a disappointing 9-20 season with a 3.71 ERA for the last-place Indians in 1969, he was traded to the Minnesota Twins, where he started strong in 1970, winning his first six decisions before a shoulder injury hampered him for the rest of the season.

Released during spring training the following year, Tiant found his way to the Boston Red Sox that same season, quickly becoming a fan favorite and enjoying his peak success there.

Also playing for the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, and California Angels, Tiant was known for his distinctive corkscrew windup, often turning his back to home plate before delivering pitches from various angles, confounding opposing hitters.

From 1972 to 1976, Tiant consistently won 15, 20, 22, 18, and 21 games, maintaining a combined ERA of 3.13 across those five seasons.

The pinnacle of his career came during the 1975 World Series, where Tiant excelled in two out of three starts, winning Games 1 and 4—both complete games—and had a no-decision in Game 6, which the Red Sox won thanks to Carlton Fisk’s home run in the 12th inning. In Game 4, Tiant pitched an astounding 155 pitches.

Yet, these accomplishments haven’t secured him a spot in the Hall of Fame.

In a discussion about Miñoso in 2021, Tiant cited Ron Santo’s similar plight despite failing on 15 writers’ ballots. Santo was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 2012, two years after his death in 2010.

“What they did to Ron Santo—he lost both his legs. Why did it take so long for him to be recognized?” Tiant remarked in 2021. “They waited until after his passing? That’s disrespectful and harsh.”

Tiant wanted to avoid facing a similar fate.

“I’ve instructed my sons not to get upset if they don’t see my name up there,” Tiant said in 2021. “When they finally decide to induct me, that’s when you’ll know it’s real. When you see my name in the Hall of Fame, that’s when to believe it has happened.

“My Hall of Fame is my wife and family. That’s my true Hall of Fame.”