[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 66 (Tuesday, May 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E872-E873]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING LUIS TIANT FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GAME OF BASEBALL 
AND FOR HIS CONTINUED INVOLVEMENT IN THE BOSTON LITTLE LEAGUE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2003

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank Red Sox pitching legend 
Luis Tiant for the contributions he has made to the game of baseball 
and for his continued involvement in the Boston Little League 
community. On Saturday, May 3, 2003, the Luis Tiant Field at Peters 
Park in the South End of Boston was dedicated to this sports icon in 
recognition of all that he has contributed to the game.

[[Page E873]]

  Luis Tiant was born in Havana, Cuba in 1940. He learned to love 
baseball at a young age because his father excelled at the sport and he 
passed that passion on to his son. Luis flourished in the local Little 
League program and eventually made the Cuban Juvenile League All-Star 
Team in 1957.
  In 1961, the Cleveland Indians signed Luis Tiant to a contract, and 
he made the majors with that ballclub in 1964. In 1971, his career in a 
Red Sox uniform began. El Tiante, as he is known in New England, led 
the American League with a 15-6 record and a 1.91 ERA in 1972.
  For three of the next four seasons, Luis Tiant won at least 20 games. 
He won 18 games in 1975, helping propel the Boston Red Sox to the 
American League Championship. He excelled in the 1975 post season, 
winning Game One and Game Four of the World Series for the Red Sox.
  Luis Tiant has many impressive baseball accomplishments, including 
having the lowest ERA for a Boston pitcher since 1920. He also holds 
that same record with the Cleveland Indians.
  In 1978, the Boston Red Sox lost Luis Tiant to the New York Yankees--
but Red Sox fans don't dwell on his time in the pinstripes. El Tiante 
currently lives in Boston with his family.
  It is only fitting that a Little League field bear the name of one of 
the greatest pitchers in Boston Red Sox history. He means so much to 
the game of baseball and has contributed so much to his community.

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