Two years later, he recommended him to the Mexico City Tigers of the Mexican League.
Tiant spent three seasons with Mexico City before Avila, second baseman for the Indians and the first Mexico-born all-star, recommended that Cleveland sign him.
The Indians purchased Tiant's contract for $35,000 in the summer of 1961, and he reached the major leagues three years later. He excelled in six seasons in Cleveland, posting a 2.84 ERA which was 20% better than league average.
He led a Cleveland pitching staff that led the American League in strikeouts five years in a row.
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