THE NINES.

The nine will play its first championship match at New Haven next Saturday against the Yale nine. From the very beginning Harvard has had ill luck; but owing to the work of an energetic captain and the enthusiastic co-operation of the other members of the nine she will put a nine in the field which we are sure will do her justice. In the beginning of the year Harvard's prospects were unusually bright; but in one of the first games two of the most valuable men were disabled. Winslow, upon whom every one relied to fill the pitcher's position, was taken ill and compelled to resign his position to Nichols, who, although a good pitcher, lacks experience in that capacity. Nichols is an excellent catcher, and throws with great precision. Allen, who in the absence of Captain Crocker has filled catcher's position in an almost faultless manner, is an excellent general player, and has had considerable experience as pitcher. Smith, who before entering college had but little experience on the ball field, has covered first base remarkably well, making but one error in eight games. He is a heavy batter, but lacks experience in base running. Coolidge, who was disabled in the first Beacon game, is steadily improving. The injury done to his ankle will prevent him covering second base for some time, but it is hoped that he will be able to play centre field on May 26th. No comments need be made on his playing, as his past records prove him to be a reliable player, hard hitter and good base runner. Lovering has covered second base with great credit, and his batting this year is a great improvement on that of last year; he is an accurate thrower, sure catch and good base runner. Beaman has played third base very creditably. He is especially strong in throwing and his stops are generally clean. His batting and base running is hardly up to the mark, though practice in these respects will, of course, bring improvement.

Baker is playing an exceptionally strong game at short this year. His stops are sure and his throws are accurate. His general play is noticeable for promptness and accuracy. He exercises greater care in his play than ever before. He is batting well and his base running is good.

Le Moyne in left field is playing his position for all it is worth, and has made several phenomenal catches. He is capable of a great deal better work at the bat.

Centre and right have thus far been filled by substitutes. White plays centre-field and change pitcher. His pitching is effective though rather wild, but his batting is weak. Weak batting is also Keep's principal fault. He plays an exceptionally fine right field and is a good base runner.

Nichols, who played centre field last year, has consented to fill his old position again until the men who have been disabled shall return. His assistance will be of great value in the present emergency as he is an especially heavy batter.

Crocker, who will take right field as soon as his lame ankle will permit, has made a good record as captain. He is a good fielder and catcher. He bats well and is a fast base runner.

Considering its crippled condition the nine as a whole is playing a remarkably good game. The batting is weak, as is to be expected, but its fielding is steady and cool and the men play well together.

The freshmen play their first Yale game on Saturday, May 19th, at New Haven. They will present an exceptionally strong team, having the services of Nichols, Allen and Smith. The playing of the team at the beginning of the year was rather weak, but has steadily improved, and at present they are playing a steady, hard batting game. Phillips has proved himself an efficient captain and plays a very steady game at second; he is a fair batter and good base runner. Kimball, at third, is a brilliant player, but on the whole plays rather carelessly; he has been improving steadily and will probably show a good record at the end of the year : he is a good batter and base runner. Edgerly, at short, is a very careful player and at times makes very brilliant stops; he throws well and is a fair batter. Chamberlain has pitched the majority of the games and is a good out fielder; he is a hard hitter and long thrower. Collins plays a fair game, but his position is in the out field; he is a hard but not a sure batter, but runs bases poorly. Bruner has played a brilliant and sure game thus far at right field; he throws well, is sure catch and has all the requisites for a good player.

The nine as a whole play a steady, hard batting game, and with careful practice will make a good showing on May 19th.