Joel Bernstein will pitch this afternoon when the Crimson opens defense of its Greater Boston League championship against M.I.T. at 3:30 p.m. on Soldiers Field. That is, he'll pitch if the field is in shape. At 5 p.m. yesterday there was still some snow on the field, and first base and parts of the outfield were in four inches of mud.

The one big question about the team is that of who will catch for Bernstein. Coach Norm Shepard has been experimenting with Matt Botsford behind the plate, using him there in batting practice both in the South and during this week. It will be either Botsford or Phil Haughey behind the plate today, and the guess here is Botsford.

Running down the probable batting order, Tom Bergantino will lead off at third base, and Bob Cleary or possibly George Harrington will hit and play second. Captain John Simourian will hit third and play first base, and shortstop Bob Hastings will bat in cleanup.

John Getch will bat fifth and play left, and be followed by Haughey or Botsford. If Haughey catches, Botsford will play right field and bat seventh; if Botsford backstops, Dick Fisher, who excelled in practice yesterday, will play right.

Walt Stahura will play center field and bat eighth, Bernstein following him.

This is a veteran team by all standards, but it has not come as far as it might have by this time. The Southern trip was spoiled by weather that was more suitable for Cambridge, and the team needs work.

M.I.T. has also lost its only three games, losing them on a Southern trip.