Jesus Luzardo’s Glasses Superstition Illuminates Phillies’ NLDS Clash with Dodgers
Stepping onto a baseball diamond has a way of stirring up superstitions, and for Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo, his glasses are at the heart of it all. As Luzardo prepares to take the mound against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series, his eyewear has become a focal point of intrigue.
A Unique Necessity
Interestingly, Luzardo’s glasses are not born from necessity, but rather from a blend of nostalgia and superstition. As a young pitcher, he donned rec specs to better see the signs from his catcher. This practice stuck with him as he climbed the ranks in baseball. However, outside of the diamond, Luzardo opts for clear vision without the frames.
In 2021, a pivotal year for him, Luzardo decided to forgo his glasses, which resulted in a significant drop in performance. After struggling on the mound, he came to a realization: “They used to be prescription,” he shared. “Then one day I left them at home in ‘22. We were in Atlanta. I said, ‘I have to go get glasses. I can’t pitch without glasses.’ So, I went to an Oakley store in Atlanta and bought a regular pair. I pitched well and ever since I was like, ‘I can’t switch them.’”
Performance Metrics: With and Without Glasses
Luzardo’s decision to embrace his glasses has led to an intriguing narrative regarding his performance. The year he neglected to wear them—2021—saw him struggle significantly, posting a 6.61 ERA. In stark contrast, when we analyze his performance over six seasons, excluding that tumultuous year, his combined ERA sits at a more respectable 4.19.
This season has been particularly noteworthy for Luzardo. With the glasses firmly in place for every start, he has managed to maintain a 3.92 ERA in his inaugural season with the Phillies. The numbers suggest that for Luzardo, the eyewear might just be a key ingredient in his success on the mound.
As the NLDS showdown approaches, all eyes will not only be on the game but also on Luzardo’s unique superstition. Will the glasses continue to serve as a lucky charm, or will the pressure of the playoffs test this quirky ritual? Only time will tell.
