BASEBALL

If keen competition for places is of any weight in forecasting the success of a team, Dartmouth should turn out a good baseball team, as the fight for the various positions on the nine is keenest and the most interesting that has taken place in years for a Dartmouth baseball team. Coach Keady, while reticent, declares that if his expectations are fulfilled the year should be a bright one, but refuses to be too optimistic until the team shows under fire in a few actual contests.

Throughout the early practice there have only been four possibilities in the pitching department. These are: Mitchell' 10, a veteran; and Ganley ' 11, Ekstrom '12, and Frothingham '12, all three newcomers in the varsity field. Of these the first three are the best with Frothingham close behind. Though Mitchell and Ekstrom both showed well in a game with Andover which Dartmouth won 4 to o, competent judgment can hardly be passed on them until they have worked in the opening games.

At catcher Chadbourne is the best of a mediocre lot and it looks as though he would have to carry a greater share of work in that department than is good for one man. Steen is the best for substitute, though not reliable. At first base an accident to a nerve in Brady's shoulder handicapped him in the struggle with Captain Schildmiller for the possession of the sack. As Brady will be out for an indefinite period, Schildmiller will play the position for the opening games at least.

At second base Orr '12 displayed a surprising reversal over his form in the cage and is playing a splendid fielding game. At short-stop Norton '10 after a year's lay-off is playing great ball and is leading for the position. Conroy, shortstop on the team last year, has been Shifted to third and is fighting it out with Eaton, the second baseman of last season, for that corner. Ryan is another candidate who is hitting at a high clip and must be recognized. While Orr, Norton, and Conroy, have a shade the better at present, the other two men are liable to make up the gap any moment.

In the outfield, Daly '12, who was unable to get out. in the cage, is proving himself a fixture in center. Eaton or Ryan. failing to catch on in the infield are sure to be tried out for the outfield. This leaves practically one field to be fought for between Emerson '11, Langdell ' 10, and Coggins ' 11. Emerson is the best of these but is far from the form he displayed at the close of last season. If Brady returns in a week or two his presence will make the fight merrier than it is now, as his hitting and all-round knowledge of the game cannot be dispensed with.