TTM Success - Luis Tiant

I saw that Luis Tiant was signing TTM, so I jumped on the chance to add more signed cards of his to my autograph album.  I had gotten Tiant at the National a couple years ago, and my buddy, Gerard sent me some signed cards a while back, as well.  Also, my friend, Drew, sent me a Tiant signed ball way back when.

So, I found two cards that Tiant hadn't signed, and sent them on their way.  The above 1981 Fleer turned out really well.  I don't have many from that set in my album, so it was nice to add this one.  The card at the top of the post is a 1974 Topps.  On both of the cards, Tiant is rocking an amazing mustache.  Can't miss it.

Tiant (b. 1940) played in the majors from 1964 to 1982 for the Indians, Twins, Red Sox, Yankees, Pirates and Angels.  He had a career record of 229-172 with 2,416 strike outs and a 3.30 ERA.  He was an All Star three times (1968, 1974 and 1976).  His best finish in the Cy Young voting was 4th (1974, AL) and in the MVP voting was 5th (1968, AL).  1968 was the year Denny McLain won the MVP and Cy young awards by posting 31 wins and a 1.96 ERA.  Tiant's 21-9 and 1.60 ERA didn't stand a chance.  Tiant was a 4-time 20-game winner (1968 - 21, 1973 - 20, 1974 - 22, ans 1976 - 21), bur he also lost 20 games when he went 9-20 in 1969.

Tiant appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot 15 times between 1988 and 2002.  His highest vote percentage was 30.9% (in 1988), leaving him well short of the required 75% to gain election to the Hall.

I mailed to Tiant on October 19 and got the cards back on November 2, for a 14-day TAT.