Although he has been greeted only by batterymen and a few stray others who have dropped down to Briggs Cage to limber up, Varsity baseball Coach Floyd Stahl has begun the task of shaping up a nine for the approaching season.

Most of the players are in some reserve branch of the service and subject to call at any time. Because of the uncertainty of just what boys will be able to finish out the season, little can be surmised as to what kind of a showing the team will make in 1943. Naturally, most other colleges are in a similar position, so Stahl has no complaints on that count.

So far, only pitchers and catchers have reported, the remainder of the team to come out March 1. Of the moundsmen, Warren Berg has had the most experience, but Jack Farley, Joe Phelan, Irving Rudman, and Dick Harding, who is still banging in goals for the hockey team, have seen some service. Last year's strikeout artist, Mort Waldstein, has received his degree and will not play this year. Jim Mains and Brendon Riley are also likely prospects for the hurling corps.

Paul Quinn, Paul Delahoid, although he hasn't yet reported, Howie Hodgson, Bob Axtell, and Jerry Callanan seem to be the top candidates for the backstop position so far. Stahl is contemplating shifting Ned Fitzgibbons, last year's first sacker, behind the bat in case of a shortage of catchers. Bill Harding is expected to report at the close of the hockey season.

Not much is known about the rest of the squad, but a few of last year's stars will definitely be unavailable this spring. Captain-elect Bart Harvey graduated at midyears and will not don the Crimson for the coming campaign. His fine play around at second base as well his heavy stick work will be sorely missed. Bill Barnes, outfielder and end on the football squad, also departed in January. Thayer Drake, shortstop, is in ERC.

Brooks Heath, and Jim Apthrop, another member of the sextet, will probably hold down outfield positions. Jim Gallagher and Jay Gleason are expected by Stahl to cavort in the infield this spring.

The squad hasn't seen much in the way of batting practice as yet, since Stahl is waiting for the rest of the candidates to turn up.