Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Random Card #25

"The Bull" is one of the few players that fans from two different cities embrace as one of their own. He is loved in Chicago, but not as much as he is loved in Philadelphia.

When I think of Greg Luzinski now, I think of Bull's Barbecue in the new stadium that the Phillies play in. I've heard about Greg promoting it more than I've heard about his past accomplishments.

As beloved as he is in Philadelphia, Luzinski was born in Chicago and attended high school in Niles, Illinois. Bull was a natural fit for the White Sox. A famed slugger with a blue collar feel who grew up in the area. It was a perfect fit.

1984 would be the last year in the majors for Greg Luzinski. He really didn't go out with a bang. His average dropped to .238 and he had his lowest home run total since 1974 with 13 dingers.

This card reminds me of the last days of a slugger. You can see it in the eyes. The Bull is not long for this game, but he's proud of what he has accomplished. He was about to complete a legacy that would make sure he is mentioned in two cities for a long time.

5 comments:

capewood said...

I'm glad to hear that the Bull was popular in Chicago since, as you say, he sure was popular in Philly. Being a member of the 1980 World Series Phillies is enough to keep his memory alive with Phillies fans for a long time.

Steve Gierman said...

Being a part of the 1983 "Winning Ugly" team has a lot to do with it.

Gellman said...

If this guy was anything other than a designated hitter I would have been shocked. What a mug!

--David said...

Actually, though, I think if you were to put that same hat on Mikey from OCC, they'd look like father/son, or maybe uncle/nephew.... long lost cousin?

Steve Gierman said...

Nice eye David! I didn't even see that one.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...