Luis Tiant, the legendary Red Sox pitcher, recently passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy lasting more than six decades. His wife, Maria, was by his side throughout his career and beyond. Meet the woman behind the legend.
Luis Tiant was a beloved figure in Major League Baseball known for his outstanding pitching career spanning 19 seasons. Born in Cuba, the baseball star made his mark in the sport with a signature style and determination that earned him a place among the legends of the game.
Luis Tiant posing for a portrait for the Cleveland Indians circa 1964. | Source: Getty Images
Luis Tiant posing for a portrait for the New York Yankees circa 1979. | Source: Getty Images
Affectionately known as “El Tiante,” he was a three-time All-Star and won at least 20 games in four seasons. He also clinched two ERA titles in the American League, one in 1968 with the Cleveland Indians and another in 1972 with the Boston Red Sox.
He pitched for teams like the Yankees, Twins, Pirates, and Angels, but his time with the Red Sox endeared him most to fans.
Former Red Sox Jim Rice and Luis Tiant walking onto the field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on October 20, 2021, in Boston. | Source: Getty Images
Luis Tiant during a spring training team workout on February 14, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
Sadly, on October 8, the Red Sox confirmed that their former player had passed away in his home at 83. MLB’s official account on X also shared the news, partly writing, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Luis Tiant.”
His passing marked the end of an era for baseball fans, but his legacy will be remembered for generations. Luis is survived by his three children, Luis Jr., Isabel, and Daniel, as well as John Papile, whom the late baseball star considered a son, numerous grandchildren, and his devoted wife, Maria.
Luis Tiant photographed at Logan Airport with his wife, Maria Tiant, his children, and his parents in 1975. | Source: Getty Images
The former Red Sox star’s personal life was defined by his deep connection with Maria, the woman who had stood by his side for over six decades. Their love story began in Mexico City, where Maria was born and raised.
At the time, she was a softball player for her employer, the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. She caught Luis’ eye during a game in 1960 when he cheekily blew her a kiss from the stands.
Maria initially brushed off the playful gesture. “Did you see that?” her friends asked. “Oh, he’s crazy,” Maria replied, blushing. She eventually formally met Luis at a party hosted by mutual friends. The two hit it off immediately, dancing and talking late into the night, and soon began dating.
That year, Luis returned to Cuba, which was under the control of Fidel Castro’s regime. Despite the distance, their love grew. They exchanged letters and spoke on the phone when they could.
However, Maria revealed that during their first months together, he never told her he was a pitcher for the Tigers in the Mexican League. By August 1961, Luis returned to Mexico on one of the last flights allowed out of Cuba.
Shortly after his return, they married on August 12, 1961, beginning their life together. As Luis pursued his professional career in the U.S., Maria remained in Mexico City, raising their three children, who were born there, while he played for various teams. Luis also spent the offseason in Mexico for much of his career.
It wasn’t until 1974, during his time with the Red Sox, that the family moved to the United States, settling in Milton, Massachusetts. By then, Luis had become a fixture in Boston, with Maria proudly supporting him from the stands.
One of Maria’s fondest memories was watching her husband pitch a five-hit shutout during Game 1 of the 1975 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. Luis also singled and scored a run in that game, much to the delight of Red Sox fans, who chanted his name.
Maria reminisced about sitting in the stands, filled with pride as she watched her husband’s heroic performance, an unforgettable moment for the couple. “I will never forget when he went back to touch the plate, and his father was able to come from Cuba and throw out the first pitch, too. That was the first time I met him. I loved that man,” she recalled.
Throughout Luis’ career, Maria supported him every step of the way, regardless of the team he played for. Whether he was with the Indians, the Yankees, or the Pirates, Maria rooted for her husband’s success. However, there was always something special about the Red Sox.
In an interview, Maria admitted that she remained a Red Sox fan long after Luis retired, often cheering passionately for the team from their home in Fort Myers, Florida. “Oh, my, I want them to win so much,” she said.
Even after Luis’ playing days ended, the Red Sox remained a central part of their lives, as he worked as an instructor and ambassador for them. When the team’s owners asked Luis to work for the Red Sox, Maria said, “I was so happy. I always like to think of my husband with the Red Sox.”
She continued to cheer for the team, wearing Red Sox shirts and lucky hats during games. “I don’t know if other wives still root for the Red Sox or not. Maybe a lot of the wives aren’t still together with the players. Maybe they aren’t as interested. For me, I am just a big fan,” Maria revealed.
Her passion for the team was so intense that their youngest son, Daniel, sometimes had to leave the room when things got too heated during games.
“She’s really into it, and she really knows the game. When my dad pitched, it was about supporting him. Now, it’s just about rooting for her Red Sox, and she is zeroed in on it,” Daniel, the partner and founder of Aventus Sports Management, shared.
In August 2024, Maria and Luis Tiant celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary, marking another milestone in their enduring love story. Luis returned to Cuba over the years, and when asked what made him happiest about being home after so long, he said, “Seeing my family and my country.”
Over the years, Maria became a loyal fan of the Red Sox and her husband’s career. Their bond, forged in baseball and strengthened over the decades, was a testament to their love and devotion.
