Matt "Five-Finger" Philips
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While Matt "Five Finger" Philip was born long after other baseball pioneers in St.
Louis, he can be considered among the game's trailblazers in the city. "Along with
some other interested players, I wanted to start a club in St. Louis," Philip said.
Philip was the founding member of the St. Louis Perfectos vintage base ball team.
And while his game appearances haven't been numerous in recent seasons, Philip
remains one of the team's longest tenured ballists. Philip, a veteran of Little
League, Junior Legion and the Belleville East High School freshman team, began
his vintage base ball career as the third tender of the Washington Eagles in 2001.
Philip originally adopted the nickname of "Scrivener" with the Eagles, but soon
acquired the moniker which has brought greatest fame, "Five Finger." Philip made
many outstanding plays at the hot corner, always coming out with all of his digits in
place, earning his odd nickname. Philip said his favorite position is short scout. In
2002, Philip started the Perfectos and the team played a modest schedule of mainly
practices and practice games. The team then was based in Tower Grove Park. The
Perfectos did venture to Washington to play the established Eagles in the first
"Missouri Cup" match. The contest went into extra innings before the Eagles
prevailed. The Washington scorekeeper later acknowledged he had missed an ace
and the Perfectos should have won, but it was too late. Philip stated his favorite
experiences have included trips to the Ohio Cup Festival, playing in front of the
faithful cranks at Lafayette Park and the team's annual wine tasting. "Lafayette Park
is easily the best vintage venue I've seen," Matt said. "We have legitimate hometown
fans who support us, which makes for a richer relationship." Philip said he also
enjoys matches at Beautiful Trobaugh Field in Decatur, Ill., the Gateway Arch
Grounds and the St. Ferdinand Shrine, home of the St. Louis Unions. Philip nearly
had to have his nickname changed in the 2005 excursion to Overland. Playing the
first tender position, Philip caught a ball which damaged one of his fingers. He also
suffered a knee injury during the 2004 Ohio Cup Festival. During the 2007 season,
Philip's job working with the St. Louis Cardinals kept him from most matches, but
he always enjoys whatever time he can play with the Perfectos. "I enjoy vintage
baseball because I can experience a camaraderie and the game-play of baseball in
its purest form," said Philip.
Matt "Five Finger" Philip
Positions: Short Scout, Third Tender
Clubs: Washington Eagles, St. Louis Perfectos
Ballist Since: 2001
Louis, he can be considered among the game's trailblazers in the city. "Along with
some other interested players, I wanted to start a club in St. Louis," Philip said.
Philip was the founding member of the St. Louis Perfectos vintage base ball team.
And while his game appearances haven't been numerous in recent seasons, Philip
remains one of the team's longest tenured ballists. Philip, a veteran of Little
League, Junior Legion and the Belleville East High School freshman team, began
his vintage base ball career as the third tender of the Washington Eagles in 2001.
Philip originally adopted the nickname of "Scrivener" with the Eagles, but soon
acquired the moniker which has brought greatest fame, "Five Finger." Philip made
many outstanding plays at the hot corner, always coming out with all of his digits in
place, earning his odd nickname. Philip said his favorite position is short scout. In
2002, Philip started the Perfectos and the team played a modest schedule of mainly
practices and practice games. The team then was based in Tower Grove Park. The
Perfectos did venture to Washington to play the established Eagles in the first
"Missouri Cup" match. The contest went into extra innings before the Eagles
prevailed. The Washington scorekeeper later acknowledged he had missed an ace
and the Perfectos should have won, but it was too late. Philip stated his favorite
experiences have included trips to the Ohio Cup Festival, playing in front of the
faithful cranks at Lafayette Park and the team's annual wine tasting. "Lafayette Park
is easily the best vintage venue I've seen," Matt said. "We have legitimate hometown
fans who support us, which makes for a richer relationship." Philip said he also
enjoys matches at Beautiful Trobaugh Field in Decatur, Ill., the Gateway Arch
Grounds and the St. Ferdinand Shrine, home of the St. Louis Unions. Philip nearly
had to have his nickname changed in the 2005 excursion to Overland. Playing the
first tender position, Philip caught a ball which damaged one of his fingers. He also
suffered a knee injury during the 2004 Ohio Cup Festival. During the 2007 season,
Philip's job working with the St. Louis Cardinals kept him from most matches, but
he always enjoys whatever time he can play with the Perfectos. "I enjoy vintage
baseball because I can experience a camaraderie and the game-play of baseball in
its purest form," said Philip.
Matt "Five Finger" Philip
Positions: Short Scout, Third Tender
Clubs: Washington Eagles, St. Louis Perfectos
Ballist Since: 2001