Phil Masi
Philip Samuel Masi (January 6, 1916March 29, 1990) was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a catcher from 1939 to 1952, most prominently for the Boston Braves where he was a four-time All-Star player and was an integral member of the American League pennant-winning team. Although Masi was considered one of the best defensive catchers of his era, he was also notable for his involvement in a controversial play that occurred during the 1948 World Series between the Boston Braves and the Cleveland Indians. He also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago White Sox. Playing career Early career Born in Chicago, Masi attended Austin High School, then began his professional baseball career when he was contracted in by 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 runs and being named to the league's All-Star team. Masi was then purchased by