EAST BUTLER — Everything about Tanner Master says catcher.

He blocks the ball in the dirt with instinctive ease, handles the pitching staff for the Meridian American Legion baseball team with the charisma of a snake charmer and fires snap throws to first that give baserunners trepidation.

There is one thing about Master, though, that makes him a unique backstop.

He's left-handed.

"Nope, you don't see many left-handed catchers," said Meridian manager Butch Master, who also Tanner's father. "He's a gamer — he's a hockey player. He's scrappy and he has a good arm."

Tanner has been a catcher since he was 10. Even then he got awkward looks when he crouched behind the plate with a left-handed mitt.

That's because left-handed catchers in the major leagues have gone the way of the dodo, passenger pigeon and Caribbean monk seal — they are extinct.

The last left-hander to see any significant time behind the plate in the major leagues was Benny Distefano, who caught three games for the Pirates in 1989.

Only 30 southpaws have caught at least one inning in major league history.

During the spring, Tanner roams center field for the Butler High team. In the winter, Tanner played forward for Ford City's hockey team and was one of the leading scorers in the PIHL's Open Division.

But for Meridian, Tanner is once again strapping on the catcher's gear.

And he loves it.

"Honestly, the hardest part is throwing the ball back to the pitcher," Tanner said, laughing. "It's no big deal to me because I have been back there for so long. There are some disadvantages, but also some advantages."

One advantage is the snap throw to first base. Runners have to be aware because Tanner is not afraid to let one fly. And, because he is left-handed, he doesn't have to twist his body to make the throw.

He also has refined his motion to get straighter, more accurate throws.

"I found you have to throw almost straight overhand," Tanner said. "And I have learned how to grip the ball so it doesn't tail on me."

Left-handed catchers mitts are scarce, but Tanner has gotten searching for that rarest of baseball equipment down to a science.

"There's one pretty much in every sporting goods store," he said. "You just have to dig for it."

Tanner hasn't disappointed with his play behind the plate or in the batters box this season.

He's batting close to .700 for 11-0 Meridian after a 4-for-4 night Monday against previously unbeaten East Butler that included two doubles, three runs scored and five RBI.

Tanner is behind the plate partly out of necessity.

Butch Master had planned to use Kenny Dunmyre at catcher, but Dunmyre suffered a broken orbital bone and most likely won't be cleared to catch again this season.

"Tanner has been solid this year," Butch said. "He's one of the team leaders. Obviously, I'm very proud of him."