Books and articles about Phil Masi

Masi was one of the National League's top defensive receivers, and uncommonly fast for a catcher. A weak bat held him back initially, but he became a first-stringer due to his fine handling of Braves pitchers, from knuckleballer Jim Tobin to stars Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain.

RELATED LINKS Book Excerpts » "The winning run for Boston [in the '48 Series] was scored by Phil Masi after a controversial call by umpire Bill Stewart": Carl Erskine

As a pinch runner in the first game of the 1948 World Series, Masi was safe on a controversial call on a pickoff attempted by Cleveland pitcher Bob Feller and shortstop Lou Boudreau. He subsequently scored the game's only run. In 1949, during his 11th season with the Braves, he was traded to the Pirates, who sold him to the White Sox that winter. In his first season in the AL, he led the league's catchers in fielding. (ME)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » October 6, 1948: In the WS opener in Boston, Phil Masi is called safe at 2B on a disputed call by umpire Bill Stewart on a pickoff attempt in the 8th. Masi then scores on a single by Tommy Holmes as Johnny Sain and the Boston Braves top the Cleveland Indians and Bob Feller 1-0. » February 9, 1950: The White Sox purchase C Phil Masi from the Pirates. He will finish his career with three strong years in Chicago. » July 22, 1950: In a battle of diminutive southpaws, Chicago's Billy Pierce outduels the A's Bobby Shantz to win, 6–1. Consecutive homers by Dave Philley and Phil Masi in the 6th do in Shantz, pitching on three days rest.