The Work of the Yale Nine.

Yale is extremely fortunate in that, by her geographical position, she is enabled to get her nine upon the field much earlier than Harvard. Already practice has begun and the men are in fair trim for the Easter trip. It was supposed a week ago that the condition of the ground in Philadelphia would render it impossible to keep the engagements in that section; the snow has, however, disappeared and the ground will be dry by the April recess. Capt. Stagg has found it more difficult this year to arrange professional games than ever before; however, the usual number has been obtained.

The customary work in the cage, consisting of batting, sliding to bases and hand-ball, has been kept up with regularity since Christmas. The men are unusually proficient in sliding, the patent apparatus of Captain Stagg being of especial benefit. Yale men place the greatest hope in their battery, for which they have several men in training in addition to Stagg and Dann. Yesterday the nine left New Haven and went to Pottstown, Penn., where the season will be opened to-day with the Hills School nine. Captain Stagg has taken as many new men as possible on the trip, and the make-up of the nine for to-day's game will be weak. Probably the freshman battery will be used.

On Friday the nine plays at Philadelphia with the University of Pennsylvania team, which is considered unusually strong this year. On the following day Yale meets the Athletics of Philadelphia, members of the American Association. Sunday will probably be passed in Philadelphia. On April 2d the nine will meet the New Yorks on the Polo Grounds, New York. Tuesday, April 3d, the nine goes to Newark, and on the following day the second and last game with the New Yorks will be played. With such advantages as Yale enjoys it will be seen that our own nine is heavily handicapped in the struggle for the championship. In addition, Yale has practically the same nine this year with which she won the pennant last season. Only by the most zealous work on the part of our nine can we hope to make a respectable showing against Yale this year.