He was the manager of three Major League Baseball (MLB) teams: the Philadelphia Phillies (1970–1972); Texas Rangers (1975–1977); and Chicago Cubs (1987, on an interim basis).

After returning to Triple-A to manage Cleveland's Oklahoma City 89ers affiliate in 1973, Lucchesi was appointed third-base coach of the Texas Rangers of the American League (AL) for 1974.

Lucchesi led them to a 35–32 mark for the remainder of the year, and was rehired for 1976, when the Rangers continued to struggle at 76–86, tied for fourth in the AL West.

When Randle complained publicly about being benched, Lucchesi was quoted as responding: "I'm sick and tired of punks making $80,000 a year moaning and groaning about their situation.

Randle struck his manager, who was still clad in street clothes, knocking Lucchesi to the ground and causing his hospitalization for a concussion and broken jaw.

Lucchesi, then 61, returned to the minor leagues for two final seasons, managing the Nashville Sounds, the Reds' top affiliate in the Triple-A American Association.