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Three Red Sox success stories on patience and perseverance

By Rick McNair

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 08: Relief pitcher Marcus Walden #64 of the Boston Red Sox pitches at the top of the ninth inning of the game against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on September 08, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 08: Relief pitcher Marcus Walden #64 of the Boston Red Sox pitches at the top of the ninth inning of the game against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on September 08, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images for BCH)
(Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images for BCH) /

The Veteran

Boston sports have a collection of legends and among them is right-hander Luis Tiant who the Red Sox should have given up on.  Tiant was spectacular with Cleveland in 1968 going 21-9 and leading American League hurlers with a 1.60 ERA. The following season, Tiant accomplished a remarkable feat and lost 20 games, but still produced a 3.71 ERA. Then he started the road to Boston.

The first step was a trade to the Twins followed by a release and signing by Atlanta only to be released after one month. The Red Sox took a chance and signed Tiant, who did nothing, going just 1-7 in a dual role of rotation and bullpen for a third-place team. They kept Tiant. An aging pitcher who apparently lost it.

In 1972, the magic was back and El Tiante won 15 games and again led the league with a sparkling 1.91 ERA. The dividends kept coming with three 20 game seasons and a spectacular 173-pitch complete game in the World Series against the Reds. Tiant concluded his eight Boston seasons with a 122-81 record and 3-0 in the 1975 playoffs/World Series.

Tiant is one of many pitchers who returned from the baseball dead to resuscitate a career thought long gone. An example of why a veteran with previously established credentials will continue to get employment opportunities. Exactly why Boston signed Bret Saberhagen. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not such as John Smoltz.

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