Harvard had just surrendered the lead to Columbia when captain Peter Albers batted in the top of the seventh inning. With the score tied at six, Albers hit a fastball on the outside part of the plate into the wind and, eventually, out of the park. It was the first righthanded homer that Albers had hit since he was 12.

"That bomb was pretty big," senior Frank Hogan said. "After that, I don't think there was anyone on the team who was doubtful that we'd win."

When freshman Erik Binkowski entered a game in Florida, Albers offered input from the outfield.

"He was saying, 'Move back on this guy, up on this one,'" Binkowski said. "It's very encouraging when the guy in front of you wants to make you better, not push you back."

Versatility helps Albers, as he can play any position in the infield. A career shortstop, Albers also pitched frequently for St.Augustine High School in San Diego. In college, he switched to first base just last year. That season, he led the team with 296 putouts.

"The more positions you play, the more you understand the game," Albers said. "I had a better appreciation for first base once I moved there. It's harder than it looks. Pitching helped me understand how a pitcher thinks and works, as well as how he determines what to throw in certain situations."

Albers has played baseball since he was four years old. He was an All-County at St. Augustine, and captained the team as a senior. His squad won three league titles. In one championship game, against archrival University High, Albers got the game-winning hit with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the eleventh. It was his most memorable moment in baseball.

"Beating Miami [in a 9-6 Harvard win on March 29] was not too shabby, either," Albers said.

After the first 15 games this season, Albers was batting .400. He led the team with 12 RBIs, tied with sophomore Andrew Huling, and a .675 slugging percentage. Albers was second in hits (16) and total bases (27). Last year, he hit .317, drove in 25 runs, and was third in total bases (51).

"I try to keep things as simple as possible at the plate," Albers said. "I stay relaxed, stay soft and quick with my hands."

Although he claims that he is "superstitious in that he is not superstitious", Albers refuses to step on the lines when he runs onto the field.

Albers, a switch-hitter, bats in the cleanup spot.

As a freshman, Albers hit .224 and drove in five runs. He started 14 games and played in 27. His first college hit, a bunt single, came against Cornell.

"The seniors still make fun of me for it," Albers said.

Albers laid down a perfect bunt, but he tripped over the first-base bag.