BASEBALL WITH BATES.

The University baseball team will play its first scheduled game on Soldiers Field this afternoon, and the members of the University will have their first opportunity of sizing up for themselves the prospects for the spring. As was shown last year it is impossible to make an accurate estimate of the team's worth until June, but is always encouraging to see the early games won by good margins. From the record made in the South last week we have been led to hope for great things from this year's nine, for it is not often that a Harvard team defeats the two best teams of the South. With such an excellent pitching staff, a veteran outfield, and an infield which gives promise of great brilliancy, the proverbial mid-season slump should be notable by its absence, and the practice games should be fought out with as much sprit and success as the championship series.