Did anyone catch the ESPN documentary about Luis Tiant and his visit to Cuba after 46 years? I thought it was a bit drawn out, but very interesting. It also did a very good job of weaving his pitching career within the piece.

In 1961 Tiant left Cuba, which does not have professional baseball, to begin a pro career in the U.S. Soon Castro took over and delivered an ultimatum: Come home now, or never return again. Tiant had his parents' blessing to pursue his dream, which resulted in a brilliant career.

Tiant was one of the first baseball stars I followed as a kid. I don't remember him when he had the blazing fastball, the four consecutive shutouts or the WHIP below 6.00, but my friends and I would imitate his herky jerky wind up from the 70s.

I also remember my family and I cheering for him in the 75 Series where he won two games with his old dad (who was one ofthe great Negro League pitchers) smiling in the stands. He won two games in the series, including Game 4 where he threw 173 pitches against the big Red Machine. what was amazing is that with a 5-4 lead, he had to get out of jams in the 7th, 8th and 9th inning, but he pitched the whole game. He was a colorful guy, but a Lion on the mound.

If you have never seen him pitch, or don't know about him, I recommend you catch the show. We won't see his likes again.

Never saw it Klyd, but i wish i had.

I like a good sporting documentary and this fella sounds like he had a hell of a life!