Former major league manager Frank Lucchesi died Saturday in Colleyville, Texas. He was 92.
Lucchesi, who managed parts of seven big league seasons, was best known for being attacked by infielder Lenny Randle in 1977 when he was manager of the Texas Rangers.
Randle was upset over losing his starting position late in spring training and went to talk to Lucchesi prior to a game. The discussion quickly turned contentious and Randle punched Lucchesi in the face at least three times.
Lucchesi was hospitalized with a broken jaw and Randle was immediately suspended and later traded to the New York Mets.
Lucchesi was fired later that season with a 31-31 record.
Overall, Lucchesi went 316-399 with the Philadelphia Phillies (1970-72), Rangers (1975-77) and Chicago Cubs (1987). His best full-season record was 76-86 for Texas in 1976. He also was fired by the Phillies in 1972 with a 26-50 record.
The Rangers announced Lucchesi’s death on Sunday and the Phillies acknowledged his passing a short time later.
“The Phillies are saddened to learn of the passing of Frank Lucchesi,” the team said in a statement. “He began his managing career with the Phillies, spending 14 years as a skipper in the club’s minor league system before taking helm of the major league team in 1970. In two and a half seasons as Phillies manager, Lucchesi had the distinction of leading the team to wins in the final game at Connie Mack Stadium and the first game at Veterans Stadium.”