Palm trees, flamingoes, and green grass were conspicuously absent yesterday, but nearly 70 men showed up at Briggs Cage anyway to launch the northern equivalent of spring training for the varsity and freshman baseball teams. A large portion of the first practice of the year was devoted to hitting, with both squads taking their cuts against the batting machine and "live" hurlers.
Of the 43 varsity prospects on the scene, 18 were pitchers. In view of the tough schedule this spring, such a large turnout may prove important. Coach "Stuffy" McInnia's squad will play 20 games, including three double-headers.
Some of the hurlers, including the number one starter Bob Ward, have been working out informally in the cage for nearly a month. As a result, they were throwing fairly hard yesterday.
Both squads will spend this week throwing, batting, running, and playing pepper games. McInnis plans to start infield drills on Friday.
The season opens on April 19th with a Patriot's Day twin bill at West Point.
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