Phillies' Jesus Luzardo’s glasses are coolest superstition in MLB
Context:
Jesus Luzardo has emerged as one of the top pitchers in Major League Baseball in 2025 after joining the Philadelphia Phillies, attributing much of his success to his distinctive glasses. Although he doesn't require them for vision, the glasses have become a vital part of his pitching routine as a superstitious practice. Luzardo initially wore prescription rec specs as a child to better see the catcher's signs and continued the habit into his professional career. After a poor performance in 2021, he resumed wearing glasses and immediately noticed improved performance, leading to an impressive 1.94 ERA by May 8. Despite not aiding his eyesight, Luzardo's glasses symbolize his commitment to routine and superstition in the sport, enhancing his confidence and on-field prowess.
Dive Deeper:
In 2025, Jesus Luzardo joined the Philadelphia Phillies and became one of the best pitchers in baseball, largely attributing his performance to wearing glasses, which have become a key part of his pre-game routine.
Luzardo originally wore prescription glasses as a child because he struggled to see the signs from his catcher, and although he no longer needs them for vision, they have become a superstition that he maintains.
In 2021, Luzardo experienced a decline in his performance after discontinuing the use of glasses, which prompted him to purchase a non-prescription pair when visiting Atlanta in 2022, resulting in improved performance.
Entering his start on May 8, 2025, Luzardo boasted an impressive 1.94 ERA, demonstrating the psychological and performance-enhancing impact the glasses have had on his game.
Baseball is notorious for its superstitions, and Luzardo's glasses represent a personal ritual that, while not aiding his vision, play a crucial role in his mental game and confidence on the mound.
The glasses have become a standout feature of Luzardo's pitching persona, helping him shine on the field despite their lack of practical optical function.
Jesus Luzardo has been one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2025 after joining the Philadelphia Phillies in the offseason.
A big reason? His glasses.
He credits the specs for a lot of his success.
Entering his start on May 8, Luzardo has a 1.94 ERA. Clearly, he's seeing things clearly.
Why does Jesus Luzardo wear glasses?
Jesus Luzardo doesn't actually need glasses for his eyesight.As a kid, he wore rec specs because he couldn't always see the signs from his catcher.
He continued to wear them as he ascended the ranks, but he doesn't wear them anywhere else in his life.
In 2021, Luzardo got rid of the glasses and pitched badly, and he has put them on and kept them since.
“They used to be prescription,” Luzardo told MLB.com. “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.’”
Baseball is a game of superstitions, and Luzardo has plenty. But each time he pitches, his glasses stand out. They might not help him see, but they help him shine.