Greg Luzinski

Gregory Michael Luzinski, born on November 22, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, began his professional baseball journey after being drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1st round (11th pick) of the 1968 MLB June Amateur Draft from Notre Dame College Prep. He made his Major League Baseball debut on September 9, 1970, at the age of 19. Throughout his career, Luzinski established himself as a formidable hitter, known for his ability to consistently drive in runs and hit home runs.

Luzinski spent the majority of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, from 1970 to 1980, where he became a four-time All-Star from 1975 to 1978. A key member of the 1980 World Series championship team, he contributed significantly to the Phillies’ success during that era. In 1975, he led the National League in RBIs and achieved a career-best .309 batting average, 39 home runs, and 130 RBIs in 1977. He also received the Roberto Clemente Award in 1978 for his community involvement. Following his tenure with the Phillies, Luzinski joined the Chicago White Sox in 1981, transitioning into a successful role as a designated hitter until his retirement in 1984. During his time with the White Sox, he earned the Designated Hitter of the Year award in both 1981 and 1983, showcasing his continued offensive prowess.

In total, Luzinski played 15 seasons in Major League Baseball, accumulating 1,795 hits, 307 home runs, and 1,128 RBIs with a career batting average of .276. His impact extended beyond the field, including establishing “Bull’s Barbecue” at Citizens Bank Park following his retirement, a venture inspired by other ballpark food attractions. He also served as a high school baseball and football coach post-playing career. His contributions to the sport cemented his place in baseball history, leading to his induction into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame in 1998.