Phil Masi
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Philip Samuel (Phil) Masi (January 6, 1916 - March 29, 1990) was a catcher in US Major League Baseball. From 1939 though 1952, he played for the Boston Braves (1939-1949[start]), Pittsburgh Pirates (1949[end]) and Chicago White Sox (1950-1952). Masi batted and threw right handed. He was born in Chicago, Illinois.
In a 14-season career, Masi posted a .264 batting average with 47 home runs and 417 RBI in 1229 games played.
He is best known for a pick-off play attempted by Cleveland Indians pitcher Bob Feller and shortstop Lou Boudreau in the 1948 World Series. In the bottom of the eighth inning of game one, Masi pinch-ran for catcher Bill Salkeld. Mike McCormick bunted Masi to second on a sacrifice. Feller intentionally walked Eddie Stanky, who was replaced by Sibby Sisti. Feller then tried to pick Masi off second. Lou Boudreau appeared to tag Masi out, but umpire Bill Stewart called him safe. Tommy Holmes then singled Masi home with the only run of the game to give the Braves a 1-0 victory. Although this gave the Braves a 1-0 lead in games, the Indians bounced back to win the World Series in six games.
Masi died in Mount Prospect, Illinois, at the age of 74. Upon his death, his will revealed that he really was out on the pick-off play.
Contents |
[edit] Best Season
[edit] Postseason Appearance
[edit] Highlights
- Four consecutive All-Star Game appearances (1945-48)
- Committed only 72 errors in 4,257 chances for a career .982 fielding percentage
- A fast running catcher, collected 45 stolen bases in his career and was usually used in pinch-running duties
[edit] Sources
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