Lucchesi elected to Bowman Field Hall of Fame
The Bowman Field Hall of Fame membership list increased by one with the induction of former Williamsport Grays manager Frank Lucchesi at the Cutters recent Hot Stove Dinner & Auction.
Lucchesi managed the Williamsport Grays, an affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, for three very successful seasons (1959, 1960, 1962). He compiled an overall record of 243-179 with the Grays leading them to an Eastern League co-championship in 1960 and to the league championship series in 1962. His 243 wins rank him 2nd all-time in Williamsport minor league history.
Famous for his antics and arguments with Eastern League umpires, Lucchesi was a crowd favorite at Bowman Field, especially with fellow Italians from Williamsport's "Little Hollywood" section. He was named the Eastern League All-Star manager in 1960 and 1962.
He joined the Phillies farm system as a manager in 1956 and was promoted to the manager of the big league club in 1970. He served as manager of the Phillies from 1970 until midway through the 1972 season. He also had major league managerial stints with the Texas Rangers (1975-1977) and the Chicago Cubs (1987).
One of Lucchesi's favorite players was Dick Allen who hit .329 with 20 home runs and 109 RBI's for the Grays in 1962. Allen was inducted into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame in 2010.
Lucchesi, who resides in Texas, was unable to attend in person, but did send a recorded statement of thanks that was played at the event. As a testament to his popularity in Williamsport, he was voted by fans as the Manager of the Williamsport Team of the Century in 2000.
The Bowman Field Hall of Fame was developed in 1989 by The Bowman Field Commission and the Williamsport Bills as a way to honor those who where influential and important to the history of Bowman Field and baseball in Williamsport.
The Bowman Field Hall of Fame, dormant from 1991 until 2008, was revived by the
Williamsport Crosscutters at their Annual Hot Stove Banquet in 2009.
To nominate someone for the Bowman Field Hall of Fame, send an email to [email protected]