Phillies history on November 22

  • November 22, 1920: The Phillies traded left-hander Eppa Rixey to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for pitcher Jimmy Ring and outfielder Greasy Neale.
  • November 22, 1972: Ruly Carpenter officially succeeded his father, Bob Carpenter, as president of the Phillies.

Phillies people born on November 22

  • Greg Luzinski (1950) – a slugging outfielder nicknamed “the Bull,” Luzinski was a four-time All-Star with the Phillies and a member of their 1980 World Series team.
  • Cy Acosta (1946) – a relief pitcher who played for the Phillies in 1974, went 0-0, 6.23 with 1 save in 6 relief appearances.
  • Ricky Ledée (1973) – Outfielder who played for the Philadelphia Phillies between 2002 and 2004, hit 28-94-.248/.350/.463/813 in 290 games with the Phils.
  • Mike Benjamin (1965) – Utility infielder who hit .223 with the Phillies in 2996. Also played for San Francisco, Boston, and Pittsburgh over a 13-year career.
  • Lew Burdette (1926) – Veteran pitcher who played 18 seasons in the majors, 13 of them with the Milwaukee Braves. Pitched for the Phillies in 1964 – 9 starts, 10 relief appearances – with a 3-3 record and 5.48 ERA.

A DEEPER DIVE… Greg Luzinski

Greg Luzinski arrived in Philadelphia as a highly touted power prospect, and it didn’t take long for fans to understand why. From the early 1970s through the end of the decade, he grew into one of the most feared hitters in the National League. Known for staggering strength and a compact swing, Luzinski became the anchor of the Phillies lineup at a time when the franchise was pushing toward real contention. He blended raw power with an ability to hit for average, which made him more than just a typical slugger. His steady climb included multiple seasons where he hovered near the top of MVP voting, and he played a central role in the club’s resurgence in the mid-’70s.

Peak Seasons and the New Identity of the Phillies
The mid to late 1970s were Luzinski at his peak. He consistently drove in runs, launched home runs into the Veterans Stadium seats, and formed a dangerous heart-of-the-order partnership with Mike Schmidt. That combination helped define a new identity for the Phillies, who moved from long-time underachievers to a team with real postseason expectations. Luzinski relished the big moments and earned a reputation for clutch hitting. Even in years when injuries slowed him, he remained a presence that opposing pitchers had to think about every night.

Role in the 1980 Championship Run
Although his overall production dipped by 1980, Luzinski still played a meaningful part in the Phillies’ first World Series title. His postseason had several big swings, including an important home run in the NLCS that helped push the Phillies past the Astros. By this time, younger players were beginning to fill some of the offensive load, but Luzinski’s leadership and experience mattered just as much as any stat line. His connection with the city was also an important part of the story. Fans knew he had been part of the core that changed the trajectory of the franchise, and that history made his role in the championship especially satisfying.

Departure from Philadelphia
After the 1980 season, the Phillies parted ways with Luzinski, and he continued his career as a designated hitter with the Chicago White Sox. The move made sense within the roster’s evolution, but for many fans it marked the end of an era. Luzinski remained productive in Chicago, yet the heart of his baseball identity stayed tied to Philadelphia. His name still resonated in the city long after he left the field.

Return to Philadelphia and Post-Career Presence
Luzinski’s post-playing life brought him back to the Phillies in a unique way. When Citizens Bank Park opened, he became a fixture at Bull’s BBQ, the right-field concession stand that carries his nickname. This presence kept him connected to generations of fans who remembered his playing days and introduced him to younger ones who only knew him through highlights and stories. He often greeted fans, talked baseball, and embraced the role of unofficial ambassador for the club.

His ongoing involvement with charitable events, alumni functions, and community appearances strengthened that bond even more. Luzinski has remained part of the Phillies family, not just as a former star but as a personality who genuinely values the relationship between the team and its supporters.

Legacy in Philadelphia
Greg Luzinski’s legacy is built on more than home runs and All-Star seasons. He represents a turning point in Phillies history, a time when the organization began believing it will win. His power bat, his connection with fans, and his continued presence long after retirement have made him one of the most recognizable figures in team history.