Alex Cora Finds Spring Training ‘Different’ Without Red Sox Legend

The Boston Red Sox mourned the passing of Luis Tiant not only four months ago when he died at 83 years old, but now at spring training.

Tiant, a member of the Red Sox Hall of Fame, was honored at Boston’s JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Fla. Before Sunday’s Grapefruit League home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Red Sox held a moment of silence, and welcomed Tiant’s wife, Maria, their children, Dan and Isabel, and granddaughter, Gia, to throw the ceremonial first pitch in honor of the franchise legend.

Plastered on Fenway South’s centerfield wall, right next to the 420-foot mark, reads “El Tiante” in the shape of a heart. It’s unlike any spring training Red Sox fans, players and manager Alex Cora have experienced in preparation for the regular season.

“It’s a lot different. Obviously last year he wasn’t around that much. And he’s one we miss,” Cora told reporters, per MLB.com’s Ian Browne. “You saw him with the fans interacting and all that stuff. It was cool for him to go in there in the training room and (talk trash) to the players. That’s what they really liked. Obviously a guy who performed at the highest level. He was amazing. I think as a person he was awesome. He lifted a lot of people in that clubhouse, not only here but in Boston. We miss him.”

The Red Sox even left a golf cart with a paneled photograph of Tiant and the message, “Thank You, Luis” at the JetBlue Park’s entrance for fans to sign.

Tiant spent eight seasons with the Red Sox from 1971-78, finishing with a 122-81 record, a 3.36 ERA and 1,075 strikeouts across his stint. The right-hander was best known for his iconic windup and also helped Boston reach the 1975 World Series, finishing that season’s bid with a 3-0 record, a 2.65 ERA and 20 strikeouts in four postseason appearances (34 innings).

“Really cool way to honor him and for people to just write their memories of dad,” Dan Tiant said. “It’s one of those things I noticed that people have vivid memories of when they met my dad. And it could be five years ago, a year ago or 40 years ago. And that to me says a lot about who my dad was.”

Everyone from fans to players, to ballpark staff, whether in Boston or Florida, knew Tiant, either as a childhood baseball hero or a down-to-earth, charismatic individual. Tiant’s memory spans far beyond the baseball diamond. He was devoted to off-field charity work, making the rounds in Boston with events and appearances during the annual Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon, which strives for cancer research.

“Luis had the kind of unforgettable presence that made you feel like you were part of his world,” Red Sox owner John Henry said in October. “He was a pitcher with incredible talent, accomplishing so much with a style uniquely his own. But what truly set Luis apart was his zest for life, embracing every moment with an infectious spirit, even in the face of his many challenges. He channeled everything into his love for the game and the people around him. He was magnetic and had a smile that could light up Fenway Park. Luis was truly one-of-a-kind and all of us at the Red Sox will miss him.”

Boston never won the World Series during Tiant’s time on the mound in a Red Sox uniform, however, the Cuban-born pitcher stuck around for plenty of glorious moments. Tiant filled various roles with the team, assisting in the broadcasting booth and the coaching staff. Every spring, Tiant’s presence was a guarantee among other Red Sox greats, including Pedro Martinez and the late Tim Wakefield.

The Red Sox ended their 86-year championship drought in the 2004 World Series, then went on to win three times more with Tiant’s watching from afar.

Fenway Park won’t be welcoming back Tiant for the upcoming 2025 campaign, but Tiant’s legacy — and personality — will always be remembered. Sunday afternoon’s ceremony was a reminder of what Tiant meant to everyone across Red Sox nation.