Pitchers Hold The Key On Spring Trip South

Playing three games every two days, the Harvard baseball team's fortunes on the Southern tour will depend heavily on the strength and depth of the pitching rotation. Coach Loyal Park still has 12 prospects for starting positions.

Janior J. C. Nickens is the only hurler certain to enter the regular rotation. Nickens, the only pitcher with more than 14 innings of varsity experience, compiled a 4-4 record and a 365 ERA as a sophomore.

A southpaw, Nickens relies on control rather than speed. He tries to confuse the batter with curves and changes of speed rather than fasthails. Nickens led the team with 40 strikeouts in 49 innings last season.

After appearing in relief last year, Curt Tucker will probably gain a starting berth. A right-handed junior, Tucker pitches over the top and relies on his fastball. "All he needs is confidence to be a fine starter," Park said.

Tucker has an advantage over the other hurlers at the plate. An outfielder last season, he is a switchhitter and batted 286 as a sophomore.

Phil Collins pitched only two innings last year against Brandeis, but he had an outstanding season in a summer league. Collins uses a side-arm delivery that confuses and challenges collegiate batters. "Because of his delivery, he could be our top pitcher." Park said.

A fourth candidate from last year's team is Tom DaShiell. Injured as a freshman, Da Shiell has never regained his top Yardling form. Park describes him as an intelligent pitcher who consistently keeps the ball down low and away from the hitter.

Tom Kidwell, Dave Fierke, and John Todd all return from last year's relief staff. Park will try them in both long and short relief situations.

Three new names have been added to the pitching staff, Sophomores Tom Miller and Gerry Fertel hurled the Yardlings to a 10? season last year. Ray Stich, an outfielder on the J.V. team last spring, has developed a knuckleball that impresses Park. If Stich overcomes a recent hamstring injury, he may receive a regular assignment.

Two starters in the field, Bill Kelly and Pete Bernhard, will also see action on the mound. In eight innings this spring, Kelly has allowed only one hit. He is Park's ideal pitcher: "He throws strikes. He makes the batter swing."

Bernhard, a pitcher in high school, will be tried as a left-handed relief pitcher. Park does not intend to use him more than a few innings at a time.

Although the pitching staff lacks experience, Park has two outstanding catchers that can direct the hurlers. Captain Jack Turco has two years of Varsity experience behind him. "He's such a leader," Park said. "If you've got capable catching. It can make a big difference to an inexperienced pitcher. Jack will be a great help."

Park also plans to use first baseman Pete Varney behind the plate. Varney's size alone (6'2", 245 lbs.) should give a pitcher confidence. Pistol Pete was originally a catcher before coming to Harvar and could easily start at that position for any team in the East.

The Crimson's chances on the tour are hard to predict. Last season they played inconsistently, splitting a double header with Tampa 12-1, 2-6, and another with Stetson, 7-3, 2-3. Southern teams have the advantage of playing freshman and Junior College transfers. Most of the squads also have already played five or six games.

Harvard can rely on at least five runs every game from its potent batting attack. The question remains whether the Crimson's battery can hold the opposition below that figure.