Phil Masi
Encyclopedia
Philip Samuel Masi was an American
professional
baseball
player. From though , 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.
at the age of 20. In 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 run
s and, being named to the league's All-Star team.
Masi was then purchased by the Milwaukee Brewers
who assigned him to play for the Springfield Indians of the Middle Atlantic League
. Baseball Commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis found this move to be in violation of baseball rules and allowed him to sign a non-reserve contract with Springfield, meaning that he would be a free agent
at the end of the season. He played mostly as a catcher for Springfield in where his backup that year was the future All-Star catcher for the Cleveland Indians, seventeen-year old Jim Hegan
. Masi posted a .308 batting average
with 16 home runs and 97 runs batted in for Springfield, earning a promotion to the major leagues when he was signed by the Boston Braves
, then known as the Bees.
The Bees already had future Hall of Fame member, Al Lopez
, as well as future All-Star, Ray Mueller
and veteran Johnny Riddle
as catchers going into spring training
in 1939
however, Masi impressed Bees' manager Casey Stengel
so much that, Mueller and Riddle would be traded before the start of the season, leaving Masi as Lopez's backup. He made his major league debut with the Bees on April 23, 1939
at the age of 23. After his father died in 1942
, he was given a 3-A draft classification exempting him from military duty as he was the sole support for his family.
Masi served as the Braves' backup catcher first to Al Lopez, then Ray Berres
, and finally to Ernie Lombardi
. He began to develop his reputation as a good defensive catcher from his association with knuckleball
pitcher Jim Tobin
. The other Braves catchers shunned Tobin due to the unpredictability of the notoriously difficult to catch knuckleball and, Masi took over the job as his catcher. When Lombardi was traded to the New York Giants
in 1943
, Masi became the Braves regular catcher. His work with Tobin paid off on April 27, 1944
when Tobin pitched a no hitter against the Brooklyn Dodgers
.
when, he was hitting at a .335 pace in July to earn a place as a reserve catcher for the National League League in the 1945 All-Star Game
however, the game was cancelled due to wartime travel restrictions. Masi finished the season with a .272 batting average along with 25 doubles
, 7 home runs and 46 runs batted in. He also led National League catchers in assists
and was second in putout
s and in baserunners caught stealing
.
Masi was hitting for a .300 average in late June 1946
, earning him a place as a reserve player for the National League
in the 1946 All-Star Game
. He ended the season with a .267 average, 3 home runs, a career-high 62 runs batted in and, led the league's catchers in putouts. In , pitchers Warren Spahn
and Johnny Sain
returned to the Braves from their military service and, their success further enhanced Masi's reputation for handling pitching staffs. Sain won 20 games in 1946 and led the league with 24 complete games as the Braves improved to a fourth place finish in the National League standings.
Masi had his most productive season in 1947
, earning his third selection as a reserve for the National League in the 1947 All-Star Game
and ending the year ranked tenth in the league in hitting with a career-high .304 batting average. He also posted career-highs in home runs (9) and in on base percentage
(.377) and, continued to build upon his excellent defensive reputation by leading National League catchers with a .989 fielding percentage
. Masi guided the Braves' pitching staff to a league-leading 14 shutout
s and the second-best team earned run average
in the league, as both Spahn and Sain won 21 games each. The Braves continued to improve, finishing the season in third place behind the Dodgers and Cardinals.
Although Masi's offensive output began to decline in 1948
, he earned his fourth consecutive All-Star
selection due to his excellent defensive abilities. His pitch-calling skills helped the Braves' pitching staff lead the league in earned run average as the team clinched the National League pennant
by six and a half games over the St. Louis Cardinals. He also contributed a .253 batting average with 19 doubles, 5 home runs and 44 runs batted in.
held at Braves Field
against the favored Cleveland Indians
that Masi would become embroiled in a controversy that secured his place in baseball history. Braves pitcher Johnny Sain and Indians pitcher, Bob Feller
were engaged in a scoreless pitchers' duel when the Braves came to bat in the bottom of the eighth inning
. Feller walked
Braves catcher Bill Salkeld
to open the inning. Braves manager, Billy Southworth
then substituted the slow-footed Salkeld with Masi, who entered the game as a pinch runner
. Mike McCormick
followed by hitting a sacrifice bunt, advancing Masi to second base. Feller issued an intentional walk to Eddie Stanky
, who was replaced by Sibby Sisti
. Feller then made a pick off attempt of Masi at second base. Indians' shortstop, Lou Boudreau
, appeared to tag Masi out
, but umpire
Bill Stewart called him safe
. Tommy Holmes
proceeded to hit a single
that allowed Masi to score the only run
of the game, giving the Braves a 1-0 victory. The umpire's controversial ruling touched off heated debates among the media and fans, especially after Associated Press
photographs of the play were published. Although the victory gave the Braves a 1-0 lead in games, the Indians bounced back to win the World Series in six games.
ready to play, the Braves traded Masi to the Pittsburgh Pirates in June 1949
. After only a half-season with Pittsburgh, he was traded to his hometown Chicago White Sox in 1950
. He earned the starting catchers job with the White Sox and helped them become a respectable team with his handling of the pitching staff. The team's earned run average ranked sixth in the league prior to Masi's arrival. With Masi handling the pitching staff, the team's earned run average improved to fourth best in 1950. He had a .279 batting average in 1950 and led all American League catchers with a .996 fielding percentage, committing only two errors
in 114 games. In 1951
, Masi's experience was again evident as he helped the White Sox pitching staff improve their earned run average to second best in the American League behind the Cleveland Indians. He hit for a .271 batting average in 1951 at the age of 35. When the White Sox acquired a younger Sherm Lollar
in 1952
, Masi returned to backup duties before being released at the end of the season.
Masi returned to the minor leagues
in where he helped the Dallas Eagles win the Texas League
championship before going on to win the Dixie Series
. He retired as a player at the end of the 1953 season at the age of 37.
, accumulating 917 hits
in 3,468 at bats for a .264 career batting average along with 47 home runs, 417 runs batted in and a .344 on base percentage. Over his career, he committed only 72 errors
in 4,257 chances
for a career .982 fielding percentage. A four-time All-Star, he led National League catchers in fielding percentage twice and, American League catchers once. A fast running catcher
, he collected 45 stolen base
s in his career and was often used in pinch-running
duties.
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 in the 1948 World Series.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional
Professional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
player. From though , he played in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
as a catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
for the Boston Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
(1939–1949), Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
(1949) and Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
(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
1948 World Series
The 1948 World Series matched the Cleveland Indians against the Boston Braves. The Braves had won the National League pennant for the first time since the "Miracle Braves" team of . The Indians spoiled a chance for the only all-Boston World Series by winning a one-game playoff against the Boston...
between the Boston Braves and the Cleveland Indians.
Early career
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Masi began his professional baseball career when he was contracted in by the Cleveland IndiansCleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
at the age of 20. In 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
Pepper Martin
Johnny Leonard Roosevelt "Pepper" Martin was an American professional baseball player and minor league manager. He was known as the Wild Horse of the Osage because of his daring, aggressive baserunning abilities. Martin played in Major League Baseball as a third baseman and an outfielder for the St...
of the Northern League because of his head-first slides and prancing running style while, leading the league with 31 home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s and, being named to the league's All-Star team.
Masi was then purchased by the Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers (minor league baseball team)
The Milwaukee Brewers were a Minor League Baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They played in the American Association from 1902 through 1952.-A Milwaukee Tradition:...
who assigned him to play for the Springfield Indians of the Middle Atlantic League
Middle Atlantic League
The Middle Atlantic League was a lower-level circuit in American minor league baseball that played during the second quarter of the 20th century.-History:...
. Baseball Commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis found this move to be in violation of baseball rules and allowed him to sign a non-reserve contract with Springfield, meaning that he would be a free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
at the end of the season. He played mostly as a catcher for Springfield in where his backup that year was the future All-Star catcher for the Cleveland Indians, seventeen-year old Jim Hegan
Jim Hegan
James Edward Hegan was an American professional baseball player, coach and scout. He played for seventeen seasons as a catcher in Major League Baseball from to and from to , most notably for the Cleveland Indians. After his playing career was over, he became a coach and scout in a baseball...
. Masi posted a .308 batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
with 16 home runs and 97 runs batted in for Springfield, earning a promotion to the major leagues when he was signed by the Boston Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
, then known as the Bees.
The Bees already had future Hall of Fame member, Al Lopez
Al Lopez
Alfonso Ramon "Al" Lopez was an American catcher and manager in Major League Baseball, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977....
, as well as future All-Star, Ray Mueller
Ray Mueller
Ray Coleman Mueller was an American professional baseball player, a catcher in the Major Leagues from 1935–1944 and 1946–1951. Nicknamed "Iron Man," Mueller appeared as a catcher in every game the Cincinnati Reds played — 155 — during the wartime season...
and veteran Johnny Riddle
Johnny Riddle
John Ludy Riddle was an American Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Chicago White Sox , Washington Senators , Boston Bees , Cincinnati Reds , and Pittsburgh Pirates . At the age of 42 in 1948 , he was the oldest player to appear in a National League game that season...
as catchers going into spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
in 1939
1939 Boston Bees season
- Offseason :* December 16, 1938: Ray Mueller was traded by the Bees to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Johnny Dickshot, Al Todd and cash.* December 29, 1938: Al Simmons was purchased by the Bees from the Washington Senators for $3,000.- Notable transactions :...
however, Masi impressed Bees' manager Casey Stengel
Casey Stengel
Charles Dillon "Casey" Stengel , nicknamed "The Old Perfessor", was an American Major League Baseball outfielder and manager. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in ....
so much that, Mueller and Riddle would be traded before the start of the season, leaving Masi as Lopez's backup. He made his major league debut with the Bees on April 23, 1939
1939 Boston Bees season
- Offseason :* December 16, 1938: Ray Mueller was traded by the Bees to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Johnny Dickshot, Al Todd and cash.* December 29, 1938: Al Simmons was purchased by the Bees from the Washington Senators for $3,000.- Notable transactions :...
at the age of 23. After his father died in 1942
1942 Boston Braves season
The 1942 Boston Braves season was the 72nd in franchise history.- Regular season :* May 13, 1942: Jim Tobin of the Braves became the first Major League Baseball pitcher to hit three home runs in one game.- Roster :- Starters by position :...
, he was given a 3-A draft classification exempting him from military duty as he was the sole support for his family.
Masi served as the Braves' backup catcher first to Al Lopez, then Ray Berres
Ray Berres
Raymond Frederick Berres was an American catcher and pitching coach in Major League Baseball who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers , Pittsburgh Pirates , Boston Bees/Braves and New York Giants...
, and finally to Ernie Lombardi
Ernie Lombardi
Ernesto Natali "Ernie" Lombardi , was a Major League Baseball catcher for the Brooklyn Robins, the Cincinnati Reds, the Boston Braves and the New York Giants during a Hall of Fame career that spanned 17 years, from 1931 to 1947. He had several nicknames, including "Schnozz", "Lumbago", "Bocci",...
. He began to develop his reputation as a good defensive catcher from his association with knuckleball
Knuckleball
A knuckleball is a baseball pitch with an erratic, unpredictable motion. The pitch is thrown so as to minimize the spin of the ball in flight. This causes vortices over the stitched seams of the baseball during its trajectory, which in turn can cause the pitch to change direction—and even...
pitcher Jim Tobin
Jim Tobin
James Anthony Tobin, known as Abba Dabba, was a right-handed major league baseball pitcher with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Bees/Braves and Detroit Tigers from 1937 to 1945...
. The other Braves catchers shunned Tobin due to the unpredictability of the notoriously difficult to catch knuckleball and, Masi took over the job as his catcher. When Lombardi was traded to the New York Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
in 1943
1943 Boston Braves season
The 1943 Boston Braves season was a season in Major League Baseball. The Braves finished sixth in the National League with a record of 68 wins and 85 losses.- Notable transactions :* April 18, 1943: Dave Odom was signed as a free agent by the Braves....
, Masi became the Braves regular catcher. His work with Tobin paid off on April 27, 1944
1944 Boston Braves season
- Roster :- Starters by position :Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in- Other batters :Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg...
when Tobin pitched a no hitter against the Brooklyn Dodgers
1944 Brooklyn Dodgers season
The Brooklyn Dodgers saw constant roster turnover as players left for service in World War II. The team wound up finishing the season in seventh place.- Notable transactions :...
.
All-Star
Masi's batting continued to improve in 19451945 Boston Braves season
- Roster :- Starters by position :Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in- Other batters :Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg...
when, he was hitting at a .335 pace in July to earn a place as a reserve catcher for the National League League in the 1945 All-Star Game
1945 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1945 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was to have been the 13th annual playing of the midseason exhibition baseball game between the all-stars of the American League and National League, the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball...
however, the game was cancelled due to wartime travel restrictions. Masi finished the season with a .272 batting average along with 25 doubles
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
, 7 home runs and 46 runs batted in. He also led National League catchers in assists
Assist (baseball)
In baseball, an assist is a defensive statistic, baseball being one of the few sports in which the defensive team controls the ball. An assist is awarded to every defensive player who fields or touches the ball prior to the recording of a putout, even if the contact was unintentional...
and was second in putout
Putout
In baseball statistics, a putout is given to a defensive player who records an out by one of the following methods:* Tagging a runner with the ball when he is not touching a base...
s and in baserunners caught stealing
Caught stealing
In baseball, a runner is charged, and the fielders involved are credited, with a time caught stealing when the runner attempts to advance or lead off from one base to another without the ball being batted and then is tagged out by a fielder while making the attempt...
.
Masi was hitting for a .300 average in late June 1946
1946 Boston Braves season
- Roster :- Starters by position :Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in- Other batters :Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg...
, earning him a place as a reserve player for the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
in the 1946 All-Star Game
1946 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1946 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 14th playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 9, 1946, at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts the home of the...
. He ended the season with a .267 average, 3 home runs, a career-high 62 runs batted in and, led the league's catchers in putouts. In , pitchers Warren Spahn
Warren Spahn
Warren Edward Spahn was an American Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. He played his entire 21-year baseball career in the National League. He won 20 games each in 13 seasons, including a 23-7 record when he was age 42...
and Johnny Sain
Johnny Sain
John Franklin Sain was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who was best known for teaming with left-hander Warren Spahn on the Boston Braves teams from 1946 to 1951...
returned to the Braves from their military service and, their success further enhanced Masi's reputation for handling pitching staffs. Sain won 20 games in 1946 and led the league with 24 complete games as the Braves improved to a fourth place finish in the National League standings.
Masi had his most productive season in 1947
1947 Boston Braves season
-Offseason:* Prior to 1947 season **Jack Daniels was acquired by the Braves from the Bloomingdale Troopers.**Carl Sawatski was acquired by the Braves from the Philadelphia Phillies.- Regular season :...
, earning his third selection as a reserve for the National League in the 1947 All-Star Game
1947 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1947 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 14th playing of the "Midsummer Classic" between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 8, 1947, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, the home of...
and ending the year ranked tenth in the league in hitting with a career-high .304 batting average. He also posted career-highs in home runs (9) and in on base percentage
On base percentage
In baseball statistics, on-base percentage is a measure of how often a batter reaches base for any reason other than a fielding error, fielder's choice, dropped/uncaught third strike, fielder's obstruction, or catcher's interference In baseball statistics, on-base percentage (OBP) (sometimes...
(.377) and, continued to build upon his excellent defensive reputation by leading National League catchers with a .989 fielding percentage
Fielding percentage
In baseball statistics, fielding percentage, also known as fielding average, is a measure that reflects the percentage of times a defensive player properly handles a batted or thrown ball...
. Masi guided the Braves' pitching staff to a league-leading 14 shutout
Shutout
In team sports, a shutout refers to a game in which one team prevents the opposing team from scoring. While possible in most major sports, they are highly improbable in some sports, such as basketball....
s and the second-best team earned run average
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
in the league, as both Spahn and Sain won 21 games each. The Braves continued to improve, finishing the season in third place behind the Dodgers and Cardinals.
Although Masi's offensive output began to decline in 1948
1948 Boston Braves season
- Offseason :* October 28, 1947: Hoyt Wilhelm was purchased by the Braves from the Mooresville Moores....
, he earned his fourth consecutive All-Star
1948 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1948 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 15th playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 13, 1948, at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis, Missouri the home of...
selection due to his excellent defensive abilities. His pitch-calling skills helped the Braves' pitching staff lead the league in earned run average as the team clinched the National League pennant
Pennant (sports)
A pennant is a commemorative flag typically used to show support for a particular athletic team. Pennants have been historically used in all types of athletic levels: high school, collegiate, professional etc. Traditionally, pennants were made of felt and fashioned in the official colors of a...
by six and a half games over the St. Louis Cardinals. He also contributed a .253 batting average with 19 doubles, 5 home runs and 44 runs batted in.
1948 World Series controversy
It was in the first game of the 1948 World Series1948 World Series
The 1948 World Series matched the Cleveland Indians against the Boston Braves. The Braves had won the National League pennant for the first time since the "Miracle Braves" team of . The Indians spoiled a chance for the only all-Boston World Series by winning a one-game playoff against the Boston...
held at Braves Field
Braves Field
Braves Field was a baseball park that formerly stood on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts. The stadium was home to the Boston Braves National League franchise from 1915–1952, when the team moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin...
against the favored Cleveland Indians
1948 Cleveland Indians season
The Cleveland Indians season was a season in American baseball. The team won a one-game playoff against the Boston Red Sox and would then go onto win their second World Series in franchise history, its first in 28 years.-Off-season:...
that Masi would become embroiled in a controversy that secured his place in baseball history. Braves pitcher Johnny Sain and Indians pitcher, Bob Feller
Bob Feller
On December 8, 1941, Feller enlisted in the Navy, volunteering immediately for combat service, becoming the first Major League Baseball player to do so following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7. Feller served as Gun Captain aboard the USS Alabama, and missed four seasons during his service...
were engaged in a scoreless pitchers' duel when the Braves came to bat in the bottom of the eighth inning
Inning
Inning is a municipality in the district of Erding in Bavaria in Germany....
. Feller walked
Base on balls
A base on balls is credited to a batter and against a pitcher in baseball statistics when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls. It is better known as a walk. The base on balls is defined in Section 2.00 of baseball's Official Rules, and further detail is given in 6.08...
Braves catcher Bill Salkeld
Bill Salkeld
William Franklin Salkeld was a former professional baseball player who played catcher in the Major Leagues from -. He would play for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Braves, and Chicago White Sox.-External links:...
to open the inning. Braves manager, Billy Southworth
Billy Southworth
William Harrison Southworth was an American right fielder, center fielder and manager in Major League Baseball. Playing in and and from to , he batted left-handed and threw right-handed. Southworth managed in and from through...
then substituted the slow-footed Salkeld with Masi, who entered the game as a pinch runner
Pinch runner
A pinch runner is a baseball player substituted for the specific purpose of replacing a player on base. In the typical case, the pinch runner is faster or otherwise more skilled at base-running than the player for whom the pinch runner has been substituted...
. Mike McCormick
Mike McCormick (outfielder)
Myron Winthrop "Mike" McCormick was an American professional baseball player. He was an outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds , Boston Braves , Brooklyn Dodgers , New York Giants , Chicago White Sox and Washington Senators of Major League Baseball...
followed by hitting a sacrifice bunt, advancing Masi to second base. Feller issued an intentional walk to Eddie Stanky
Eddie Stanky
Edward Raymond Stanky , nicknamed "The Brat", was an American second baseman and manager in Major League Baseball. He played for the Chicago Cubs , Brooklyn Dodgers , Boston Braves , New York Giants , and St. Louis Cardinals...
, who was replaced by Sibby Sisti
Sibby Sisti
Sebastian Daniel "Sibby" Sisti , was an American Major League Baseball utility player.-Playing career:Sisti stood 5' 11" tall and weighed 175 pounds...
. Feller then made a pick off attempt of Masi at second base. Indians' shortstop, Lou Boudreau
Lou Boudreau
Louis "Lou" Boudreau was an American Major League Baseball player and manager. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1970...
, appeared to tag Masi out
Out (baseball)
In baseball, an out occurs when the defensive, or fielding, team effects any of a number of different events, and the umpire rules a batter or baserunner out. When a player is called out, he is said to be retired...
, but umpire
Umpire (baseball)
In baseball, the umpire is the person charged with officiating the game, including beginning and ending the game, enforcing the rules of the game and the grounds, making judgment calls on plays, and handling the disciplinary actions. The term is often shortened to the colloquial form ump...
Bill Stewart called him safe
Safe (baseball)
In baseball, a baserunner is safe when he reaches a base without being put out by various ways. While a runner is touching a base, he is usually not in jeopardy of being put out, and is thus "safe" from fielders actions...
. Tommy Holmes
Tommy Holmes
Thomas Francis Holmes was an American right and center fielder and manager in Major League Baseball who played nearly his entire career for the Boston Braves...
proceeded to hit a single
Single (baseball)
In baseball, a single is the most common type of base hit, accomplished through the act of a batter safely reaching first base by hitting a fair ball and getting to first base before a fielder puts him out...
that allowed Masi to score the only run
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
of the game, giving the Braves a 1-0 victory. The umpire's controversial ruling touched off heated debates among the media and fans, especially after Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
photographs of the play were published. Although the victory gave the Braves a 1-0 lead in games, the Indians bounced back to win the World Series in six games.
Later career
Masi's offensive production continued to decline and, with young prospect Del CrandallDel Crandall
Delmar Wesley Crandall is a former professional baseball catcher and manager in Major League Baseball who played most of his career with the Boston & Milwaukee Braves...
ready to play, the Braves traded Masi to the Pittsburgh Pirates in June 1949
1949 Pittsburgh Pirates season
- Offseason :* Prior to 1949 season: Dick Smith was signed as an amateur free agent by the Pirates.- Notable transactions :* May 19, 1949: Ed Bahr and Grady Wilson were traded by the Pirates to the Brooklyn Dodgers for Nanny Fernandez....
. After only a half-season with Pittsburgh, he was traded to his hometown Chicago White Sox in 1950
1950 Chicago White Sox season
The 1950 Chicago White Sox season was the team's 50th season in the major leagues, and its 51st season overall. They finished with a record 60-94, good enough for sixth place in the American League, 38 games behind the first place New York Yankees....
. He earned the starting catchers job with the White Sox and helped them become a respectable team with his handling of the pitching staff. The team's earned run average ranked sixth in the league prior to Masi's arrival. With Masi handling the pitching staff, the team's earned run average improved to fourth best in 1950. He had a .279 batting average in 1950 and led all American League catchers with a .996 fielding percentage, committing only two errors
Error (baseball)
In baseball statistics, an error is the act, in the judgment of the official scorer, of a fielder misplaying a ball in a manner that allows a batter or baserunner to reach one or more additional bases, when such an advance would have been prevented given ordinary effort by the fielder.The term ...
in 114 games. In 1951
1951 Chicago White Sox season
The 1951 Chicago White Sox season was the team's 51st season in the major leagues, and its 52nd season overall. They finished with a record 81-73, good for fourth place in the American League, 17 games behind the first place New York Yankees.- Offseason :...
, Masi's experience was again evident as he helped the White Sox pitching staff improve their earned run average to second best in the American League behind the Cleveland Indians. He hit for a .271 batting average in 1951 at the age of 35. When the White Sox acquired a younger Sherm Lollar
Sherm Lollar
John Sherman Lollar was an American professional baseball player and coach. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball for the Cleveland Indians , New York Yankees , St. Louis Browns , and the Chicago White Sox...
in 1952
1952 Chicago White Sox season
The 1952 Chicago White Sox season was the team's 52nd season in the major leagues, and its 53rd season overall. They finished with a record 81-73, good enough for third place in the American League, 14 games behind the 1st place New York Yankees.- Offseason :...
, Masi returned to backup duties before being released at the end of the season.
Masi returned to the minor leagues
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
in where he helped the Dallas Eagles win the Texas League
Texas League
The Texas League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the South Central United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The league was founded in 1888 and ran through 1892...
championship before going on to win the Dixie Series
Dixie Series
The Dixie Series was an Interleague Minor League Postseason Series pitting the playoff champions of the Southern Association and the Texas League in a best-of-seven matchup from 1920 to 1958. It was revived for one year in 1967, pitting the Southern League champ against the Texas League champ...
. He retired as a player at the end of the 1953 season at the age of 37.
Career statistics
In a fourteen-year major league career, Masi played in 1,229 gamesGames played
Games played is a statistic used in team sports to indicate the total number of games in which a player has participated ; the statistic is generally applied irrespective of whatever portion of the game is contested.-Baseball:In baseball, the statistic applies also to players who, prior to a game,...
, accumulating 917 hits
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
in 3,468 at bats for a .264 career batting average along with 47 home runs, 417 runs batted in and a .344 on base percentage. Over his career, he committed only 72 errors
Error (baseball)
In baseball statistics, an error is the act, in the judgment of the official scorer, of a fielder misplaying a ball in a manner that allows a batter or baserunner to reach one or more additional bases, when such an advance would have been prevented given ordinary effort by the fielder.The term ...
in 4,257 chances
Total chances
In baseball statistics, total chances , also called chances offered, represents the number of plays in which a defensive player has participated. It is calculated as follows: Total Chances = assists + putouts + errors. Chances accepted refers to the total of putouts and assists only. Fielding...
for a career .982 fielding percentage. A four-time All-Star, he led National League catchers in fielding percentage twice and, American League catchers once. A fast running catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
, he collected 45 stolen base
Stolen base
In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate...
s in his career and was often used in pinch-running
Pinch runner
A pinch runner is a baseball player substituted for the specific purpose of replacing a player on base. In the typical case, the pinch runner is faster or otherwise more skilled at base-running than the player for whom the pinch runner has been substituted...
duties.
Masi died in Mount Prospect, Illinois
Mount Prospect, Illinois
Mount Prospect is a village in Elk Grove and Wheeling Townships in Cook County, Illinois, about northwest of downtown Chicago. As of the 2010 census, the village had a total population of 54,167.-Geography:...
, at the age of 74. Upon his death, his will revealed that he really was out on the pick-off play in the 1948 World Series.
External links
- Phil Masi at The Baseball Biography Project
- Phil Masi at Find a GraveFind A GraveFind a Grave is a commercial website providing free access and input to an online database of cemetery records. It was founded in 1998 as a DBA and incorporated in 2000.-History:...
- Major League Baseball in the 1940s, by Art Ahrens, Baseball Digest, February 1978