The Springdale American Legion team has qualified for the Allegheny County playoffs once again.

"This is my 21st year with the team, and we've only missed the playoffs a few years," manager Frank Sweeney said. "It's a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the kids we've had over the years."

Springdale was 15-6-1 after splitting a doubleheader against Plum on Monday.

"The top four teams in each of the four leagues in Allegheny County qualify for the playoffs," Sweeney said. "Plum and Shaler are clearly the top two teams in the Allegheny River League. We will finish either third or fourth, depending on how Penn Hills does in its final games."

Teams were required to finish their regular season schedule Tuesday. A meeting was held last night to determine the 16-team bracket for the Allegheny County playoffs.

"We've never made it to the county finals," Sweeney said. "We won the first two games a couple times, but couldn't win that third game, which get's you in the finals. We seem to struggle when we get that far. I don't know why we have that problem."

Sweeney has 12 players on the roster. All 12 are from Fox Chapel High School.

"We have a small, dedicated group of kids," Sweeney said. "I've told them on several occasions how much I appreciate the time they've put in to make this program successful."

The 12th player on Springdale's roster was just activated.

"One of our players, Tony Krienski, recently joined the Air Force and left for basic training this week," Sweeney said. "Tony just graduated. He's an outfielder who can also catch. It's tough to lose a player with his talent. Fortunately, we were allowed to pick up another player since he left for military duty."

Brett Orso, a second baseman on Sprindale's Junior Legion team, has been called upon to fill the void left by Krienski's enlistment.

"Defense and pitching have been our strength," Sweeney said. "We are very strong defensively at every position. We don't have any superstar hitters on offense, but have come up with enough hitting, pitching and defense to win 14 games."

Ten of Springdale's victories have been recorded by two veteran pitchers. Both recently completed their first year of college.

Right-hander Kevin Killian has a 6-2 record, including five complete games, and has 41 strikeouts in 52 innings pitched. He also ranks second on the team with a .340 batting average.

"Kevin was slowed by a pulled hamstring at the beginning of the season, but is now healthy," Sweeney said. "Kevin plays center field when he not pitching."

Lefty Steve Lange has a 5-2 record and has completed six games. He also has 41 strikeouts in 48 innings pitched.

"Steve pitched a no-hitter against Ninth Ward and had 12 strikeouts against Monroeville," Sweeney said. "Both Steve and Kevin have been with our program for four, maybe five years."

Killian is joined by his twin brothers Mark and Jeff. Mark is a catcher, while Jeff plays third base and outfield. Both recently completed their sophomore years at Fox Chapel High School.

Springdale's top hitter is John Corcoran, a third baseman who recently completed his sophomore year. Corcoran has a .425 average.

T.J. Healy and T.J. Banas are also hitting better than .300 for Springdale. Healy is a first baseman and pitcher who recently completed his sophomore year. Banas is a shortstop and outfielder who is playing American Legion ball for the first time.

"T.J. Banas qualified for the Western All-Star Showcase [which was held Tuesday at Slippery Rock]," Sweeney said. "He qualified as an outfielder, but has mostly been playing shortstop for us."

Others on Springdale's roster are: outfielder Joe Donahoe, pitcher/outfielder Donald Sippel and second baseman Jeff Susi.

"We have six players who were sophomores last season," Sweeney said. "If they stay together, we should have a very good team the next two years."