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Red Sox: Rick Porcello’s 20th victory rekindles memories

By Tracy Katzke

Sep 9, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello (22) throws against the Toronto Blue Jays in the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello (22) throws against the Toronto Blue Jays in the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 5, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox hall of famer Luis Tiant throws out the first pitch as part of the pregame ceremony before the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox hall of famer Luis Tiant throws out the first pitch as part of the pregame ceremony before the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Luis Tiant

Luis Tiant is best known for his extremely unorthodox and unmistakable pitching motion. During his delivery, Tiant does a 180-degree turn at the waist and, at the point of greatest rotation, can look the centerfielder straight in the eye.

Tiant had a 19-year career with a record of 229 victories accompanied by 172 defeats and an ERA of 3.30. He was a three-time All-Star, with two of those selections occurring while a member of the Red Sox. He was a four-time twenty-game winner, with three of those campaigns occurring during his tenure in Boston.

Tiant was in his prime with the Red Sox, the team whom he is most closely associated and with whom he played 8 years of his career, from 1971 to 1978. His most productive 5-year stretch occurred from 1972 to 1976. During that span, Tiant posted a record of 96 wins, 58 defeats, and a 3.12 ERA.

In 1973, 1974, and 1976, all as a member of the Red Sox, Tiant amassed 20, 22, and 21 wins, respectively.

“El Tiante,” as he is affectionately referred to, won two American League ERA titles, posting a 1.60 ERA with the 1968 Cleveland Indians, and a 1.91 ERA with the 1972 Boston Red Sox.

Next: Pedro Martinez

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