Phil Masi

Philip Samuel Masi (January 6, 1916 – March 29, 1990) was an American professional baseball player. From 1939 though 1952, he played in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the Boston Braves (1939–1949), Pittsburgh Pirates (1949) and Chicago White Sox (1950–1952). Although he was known for being one of the best defensive catchers of his era, Masi was best known for a controversial play that occurred during the 1948 World Series between the Boston Braves and the Cleveland Indians.

Playing career

Early career

Born in Chicago, Masi attended Austin High School, then began his professional baseball career when he was contracted in 1936 by the Cleveland Indians at the age of 20. In 1937 he played for the Wausau Timberjacks and demonstrated his versatility by playing as a catcher, outfielder, third baseman and as a first baseman. Masi became known as the Pepper Martin of the Northern League because of his head-first slides and prancing running style, while leading the league with 31 home runs and being named to the league's All-Star team.