Greg Luzinski

Lore & Background

His career is inextricably linked to the team's two World Series victories. In 1980, Luzinski delivered one of the most memorable performances in franchise history during Game 6 against the Kansas City Royals. With the series on the line and the Phillies facing elimination, he stepped up to deliver a crucial home run that helped secure the pennant. This performance cemented his status as a clutch performer who could be counted upon when the pressure was highest.

In Their Own Story

The humidity of a July night at Veterans Stadium hung heavy over the field as Greg Luzinski took his position in right field, the green grass contrasting with his white uniform. The crowd buzzed with anticipation for the seventh-inning stretch, but all eyes were on the batter's box where 'The Train' waited. As the pitcher wound up, Luzinski didn't just swing; he drove the ball with a sound that echoed off the concrete walls of the stadium, sending it soaring deep into the night sky toward the right-field stands.

Reader's Guide

During his decade with the club, he hit over 200 home runs and maintained a batting average that consistently placed him among the league's elite right-handed batters. He was instrumental in the team's World Series championship runs in 1980 and played a significant role in their 1976 National League pennant. His ability to hit for average and power made him a complete offensive threat. Luzinski's lasting impact on the franchise identity is profound; he embodied the 'Philly Ball' ethos of hard work and home run hitting that defined an era. Even after his departure, his jersey number and legacy remain celebrated by fans as a symbol of the team's golden age in the late 1970s.

Did You Know?

• He holds the distinction of being one of only two players in history to hit a home run in every inning of a game (a feat often confused with others, but he is famous for his consistent power output).
• His nickname 'The Train' was popularized by broadcaster Harry Kalas and stuck throughout his career due to his powerful swing.
• Luzinski was part of the 1980 World Series team that defeated the Kansas City Royals in six games, a victory often cited as one of the greatest in franchise history.