Every off-season, members of the Harvard baseball team trade in the familiarity of collegiate metal for the wooden bats of summer.

Past Crimson players have seen time in summer leagues from Alaska to Hawaii, joining student-athletes around in the country in an effort to improve, stay fresh, and raise their scouting profiles.

Here’s how this year’s crop fared with the lumber.

CAPE COD

Lance Salsgiver manned the outfield for the Wareham Gatemen, tearing through the prestigious Cape Cod League while earning a starting nod on the West Division All-Star team.

The senior paced the Gatemen by hitting .301, scoring 20 runs (second on the team) and rapping 43 hits (first). Salsgiver actually joined the squad as a temp before catching fire at the plate. The hard-throwing righty, however, notably did not see any time on the mound.

Sophomore RHP Shawn Haviland did, however, and to less than favorable results. After going 7-1 with a 3.10 ERA this season, Haviland teamed with Salsgiver at Wareham and took uncharacteristic bumps.

The putative ace of the 2006 Crimson staff recorded a 6.92 ERA in 13 relief appearances, fanning 19 against 13 walks while allowing 30 hits in 26 innings.

NEW ENGLAND COLLEGIATE

In New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) action, reigning Ivy Rookie of the Year Steffan Wilson continued to build on his stellar 2005 campaign.

The slugging sophomore received All-NECBL First Team accolades with the Torrington Twisters, splitting time in the outfield and at third base.

Wilson led the entire league in RBI and total bases while hitting .340 with a .400 OBP. His 55 hits, meanwhile, were second-most in the league.

His .568 slugging percentage, 12 doubles, and seven home runs were each good for third.

He struck out 41 times at bat, but the Crimson’s closer tossed in three scoreless frames for good measure.

All-Ivy talent Josh Klimkiewicz, on the other hand, was unable to parlay an impressive junior year into summertime success.