Harvard 7, UCLA 2.

Many first saw the news of the Harvard baseball team's upset of No. 4 UCLA on the front page of ESPNet Sportszone, the popular internet sports news service. Harvard players had spoken of national recognition all season, but they had not proven themselves truly worthy until that victory.

When Harvard defeated No. 8 Miami over spring break, the nation chuckled, surprised but indifferent. The 9-6 win had, after all, come on the heels of two routs by the Hurricanes.

When the Crimson demolished its Ivy League schedule--with the notable exception of the Princeton Tigers--en route to an Ancient Eight championship and the team's first 30-win season in 23 years, Harvard sports fans may have taken notice, but once again the nation was unimpressed. After all, someone had to win the traditionally weak Ivy League every year, right?

When Harvard received its seeding in the NCAA Midwest Regional Tournament, sixth in a six-team field, scheduled to battle top-seeded UCLA in the first round, the doubters of Harvard baseball--and Ivy League baseball in general--ho-hummed. UCLA was stocked with redshirt athletes and future Major Leaguers; Harvard was peopled by the future of consulting.

But today, its season over after back-to-back tournament losses to host Oklahoma State and a vengeful UCLA, Harvard baseball is truly back on the map.

The Harvard baseball team is The Crimson's team of the year because two seasons ago, in its last year under former coach Leigh Hogan, Harvard finished last in the Red Rolfe division with a 10-25 overall record; because last season the Crimson came one ill-fated

1996

Sports Statistics

Record: 34-16, 18-2 Ivy

Ivy Finish: First

Coach: Joe Walsh

Key Players: Captain Peter Albers; Senior Frank Hogan; Junior Brian Ralph; Sophomore Andrew Duffell

1997

playoff series short of an Ivy League title; because this year's trip to the tournament ran through Princeton, the same team that beat Harvard in last season's Ivy Championship series.

All the elements necessary for the moniker "of the year" are there: patience, redemption and finally proven greatness.