He's Master of his own fate

By JOHN ENRIETTO Eagle Sports Editor

July 14, 2009 Last Updated: July 14, 2009 02:16 PM Amateur

Butler City's Wes Henderson delivers a pitch during the American Legion All-West Showcase at Pullman Park Monday.

Meridian catcher earns a berth in Pa. Legion baseball showcase

Tanner Master plays on.

Meridian's catcher is the lone Butler County American Legion baseball player to reach the Pennsylvania Showcase after his performance Monday at Pullman Park.

The Butler ballpark hosted the All-West Showcase — and Master put on a show.

"He's the catcher for Meridian, I saw him play second base in high school and he stood out in center field here," Butler City manager Jerry Piroch said. "That kid is just a helluva ballplayer."

There were 56 American Legion players on hand — six from the BCAL — and 21 were selected for the state showcase July 25 and 26 in Harrisburg.

Piroch estimated there were 25 to 30 major league or collegiate scouts in the stands Monday.

Players arrived at 10 a.m. and ran the 60-yard dash, went through infield and outfield drills, and threw the ball to the plate from 250 feet away in center field.

During the actual game, each pitcher threw to seven batters and each batter got one plate appearance. Master singled in his at-bat and stole second. He threw a runner out from center field as well.

Other BCAL players participating included outfielder Wes Henderson of Butler City, first baseman Bob Swartwout of Meridian, third baseman Greg Hays, second baseman Cody Herald and shortstop Evan Oswald of East Butler.

"Evan Oswald looked great today, too," Piroch said. "I can't believe he wasn't picked to move on."

An Atlanta Braves scout talked with Oswald Monday, but the infielder has committed to the University of Pittsburgh.

Pitcher Robert Gummo of Bellefonte was named the American Legion West MVP. He is a four-time all-star.

Other players selected for the Pennsylvania Showcase follow:

Murrysville: Joshua Staniscia (outfield), Ryan Fitzmaurice (second base), Leonard Poliziani (catcher)

Beech Creek: Scott Zuback (outfield), Colten Stover (outfield), Cody Dolan (first base)

Upper St. Clair: Conor Frazier (outfield)

Bellefonte: Seth Tressler (shortstop), Matthew Fisher (third base)

DuBois: Jordan Labue (third base)

Lower Burrell: David Yakopec (pitcher)

Springdale: Donald Sippell III (outfield), James Healy (first base)

Charleroi: Brendan Costantine (shortstop)