After the US became involved in World War II, Lutz enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from high school and served in the South Pacific theater.

He played for minor league teams in Elmira, New York and San Antonio, Texas in the Brown's farm system, while earning bachelor's and master's degrees in science.

Having played in the major leagues for Bill Veeck, Lutz adopted some of his flourishes, including female batgirls, giveaway contests for fans and skydivers landing on the pitching mound.

Lutz left the team after 15 games due to an umpiring dispute, but the Carp went on to win its first-ever Central League championship under replacement manager Takeshi Koba.

He spent 12 years as the executive director of the Boys Club in Sarasota, until he left in 1988 following concerns regarding the financial management of the organization.