The Meridian American Legion baseball team barely qualified for the Butler County League playoffs last season.

This season, Meridian will be seeded first in the eight-team playoff bracket.

"We sneaked in on a tiebreaker last year," Meridian manager Butch Master said. "But being the eighth seed means you face the top seed in the first round. We're in a much better situation this year."

The Butler League playoffs are tentatively scheduled to begin Monday. As the top seed, Meridian earns an automatic berth in the best-of-three championship series, but will also participate in a double-elimination tournament with the other seven playoff teams.

"The winner of the double-elimination tournament faces the regular-season champion in the best-of-three final," Master said. "If we win the tournament, the best-of-three final will not be needed. That's our goal."

The Butler County playoff champion will earn a berth in the Region 7 playoffs.

Meridian entered its season finale against East Butler with a perfect 17-0 record. East Butler, the defending Butler League champion, was in second place with a 14-2 record.

"Coming into the season, East Butler was the team to beat," Master said. "I thought we had a chance to finish in the No. 2 or No. 3 spot, but never thought we would be undefeated at this point of the season. It's been a pleasant surprise."

Master has a 17-player roster, which includes only two members of Butler High School's varsity squad: Bobby Swartwout and Master's son, Tanner.

"Bobby can play anywhere," said Master of Swartwout, who stands in at 6 feet 6, 245 pounds. "We use him at third base, in the outfield and on the mound. He was only a sophomore at Butler this year."

Swartwout entered Meridian's regular-season finale with a .447 average and a 4-0 record on the mound. Master, Meridian's leadoff hitter, leads the team with a .591 average and 19 RBIs, and is second with four home runs.

"Tanner played center field for the high school team, but we had to move him behind the plate due to an injury," said Master of his son, who is a left-handed catcher. "Tanner also played hockey for the Ford City Sabres this year and won a state championship with them.

"He's heading to St. Vincent College to play hockey."

Both Swartwout and Master have advanced to the Western finals of the American Legion All-Star Showcase, which will take place July 13 at Butler's Pullman Park. Swartwout qualified as a first baseman, while Master advanced as an outfielder.

Kenny Dunmyre began the season as Meridian's catcher, but an eye injury sidelined him for two weeks. When Dunmyre returned, his doctor felt it wouldn't be safe to have him catching. Dunmyre pitches and plays third base. He has a .340 average and 18 RBIs. He is also 2-0 on the mound.

"Kenny and Corey Branchen played for Saxonburg last year, but their team folded," Master said. "Both played high school ball at Knoch. They are the two players we needed to solidify our team. Both are good hitters and good fielders."

Branchen plays second base or shortstop. He has a .318 average and 12 RBIs.

"We have a very strong hitting team," said Master, now in his sixth season as Meridian's manager. "We're hitting much better than I expected. It's been the key to our success."

Others with a .400 or better average for Meridian are: center fielder Josh Miller (.529), designated hitter Christos Klutinoty (.450) and first baseman Cory Achezinski (.446).

"Josh is our most improved player," Master said. "He has 12 extra base hits. Cory played at Beaver County Community College this past year.

"Christos played fullback for our football team and tore an ACL in the last football game. He also had a knee injury while playing point guard for the basketball team the year before. He's struggled a bit running the bases, but has played in all but three games.

Other regulars with a .300 or better average are Zach Vasey and Caleb Trombatt. Vasey, a pitcher who boasts a 5-0 record, has a .370 average. Trombatt, a pitcher/shortstop, has a .300 average and 17 RBIs.

The other eight members of Meridian's squad are relief pitcher Cody Pilarcik, designated hitter Nick Bellisario, outfielders Justin Bommer, Dane Horwat, Scott Peskowitz, Eric Turner, Josh Williams and utility player Chase Rodgers.