Humboldt Crabs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Humboldt Crabs |
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| League | Pacific Empire League (2024-present) |
| Location | Arcata, California |
| Ballpark | Arcata Ball Park |
| Year founded | 1945 |
| Nickname(s) | Crusty The Mascot |
| League championships | Far West League (2011-2013), WCL Tri-State (2010), Horizon Air Summer Series (2007, 2013), Western Baseball Association (1967-1969, 1982-1985) |
| California State Semi-Pro championships | 1961, 1963-1977, 1979, 1981 |
| Former name(s) | Paladini Crabs (1945-1948) |
| Former league(s) | Far West League (2011-2013) WCL Tri-State (2009-2010) Horizon Air Summer Series (2006-2009, 2012-2013) Big West Conference (1970-1972) Western Baseball Association (1967-1969, 1982-1996) |
| Former ballparks | Albee Stadium Babe Ruth Field at Redwood Acres |
| Colors | Blue, Red and White |
| Mascot | Dungeness Crab |
| Ownership | Community Organization |
| Management | Board of Directors |
| Manager | Robin Guiver |
The Humboldt Crabs are a fun collegiate summer baseball team from Arcata, California. They started way back in 1945, thanks to Lou Bonomini and Ned Barsuglia. This makes them the oldest summer college baseball team that has played every single season in American history!
Through the 2024 season, the Crabs have an amazing record of 2693 wins, 830 losses, and one tie. They didn't play in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2024, the Crabs are a founding team in the new Pacific Empire League.
You can listen to Crabs games on KEJB 1480 AM or watch them on the Humboldt Crabs YouTube Channel. Live game stats are available on the GameChanger App. Many games also feature the Crab Grass Band, which started in 1983 and plays music between innings.
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About the Crabs Team
The team was first called the Eureka Paladini Crabs. This was because the Paladini Fish Company sponsored them from 1945 to 1947.
Over their 77-year history, more than 300 Crabs players have gone on to play professional baseball. More than 60 of these players even made it to the Major Leagues! For example, John Oldham, a Crabs pitcher in 1952–53, was the first to reach the Major Leagues in 1956. Brett Pill, an infielder for the 2003 Crabs, played for the San Francisco Giants in 2011.
One of their best seasons ever was in 1985. The team won 46 games in a row to start the season! Future Major League players like Mike Harkey, Eric Gunderson, Steve Olin, and Scott Chiamparino were part of their super strong pitching team that year.
The Crabs play most of their games at their home field, the Arcata Ball Park. This park is owned by the City of Arcata. The team is made up of college baseball players from different programs across the U.S. The Humboldt Crabs are a non-profit group. This means they are run by a group of 12 volunteers who make sure the team keeps going.
The Crabs have some big rivals, including the Redding Colt 45s and the Corvallis Knights. They also play against many other teams from the CCL League. Over the years, the Crabs have also had other teams like the Humboldt Ports and the Humboldt Steelheads.
The Humboldt Crabs are a non-profit organization that cares about the community. Their main goals are:
- To offer fun family entertainment by providing great summer college baseball games at a fair price.
- To give talented college baseball players a positive experience during the summer.
- To help youth sports programs in the Humboldt County area. They do this by giving money or equipment when they can. They also run baseball skills camps and clinics for kids, taught by Crabs players and coaches.
- To keep the special tradition of Humboldt Crabs Baseball alive and strong.
Current Players (2024)
| 2024 Humboldt Crabs roster | ||||
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| Players | Coaches | |||
Pitchers
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Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
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Manager
Coaches
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| Updated: June 4, 2024 | ||||
2024 Player Awards
Here are some of the special awards given to players in 2024:
- Most Valuable Player: Jett Ruby
- Offensive Player of the Year: Billy Ham
- Pitcher of the Year: Andrew Overland
- Reliever of the Year: Bryce Stockton
- "Coaches Award" - Kevin Morsching/Scott Heinig Memorial Award: Ethan Rivera
How the Crabs are Organized
Humboldt Crabs Baseball, Inc. is a non-profit group owned by the community. A volunteer board of directors works hard to keep the team running. They rely on support from community members and sponsors.
Team Leaders
- President: Scarlet Palmer
- Manager: Robin Guiver
- Coaching Staff: Eric Giacone (Pitching Coach), John Bryant (Hitting Coach), Jeff Giacomini (Assistant Coach)
- Trainers: Nate Kees
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors helps guide the team. The members can change each year. Current members include Scarlet Palmer, David Sharp, Vikki Rossi, Matt Filar, Ellen Barthman, Erik Fraser, Roger Lorenzetti, Larry Zerlang, Michelle Briggs Butler, Neil Butler, and Brice Gummersall.
Far West League Champions
The Crabs joined the Far West League (FWL) in 2011. This league had ten teams. The Crabs were part of the North Division.
In 2011, the Crabs hosted the league tournament. Even though they had the best record, they lost their first game. To win the championship, they had to win four games in a row! They did it, winning the tournament and becoming the champions.
The Humboldt Crabs finished the 2011 season with 40 wins and 13 losses overall. They were ranked #22 among over 220 summer college league teams in the nation by Perfect Game USA. The Far West League later stopped operating, but the Crabs were champions every year it existed (2011, 2012, 2013).
Team Records Over the Years
The Humboldt Crabs have a long history of winning! Here's a summary of their overall records by manager:
| Seasons | Manager | Total Record |
| 1945-1987 | Lou Bonomini | 1,330-471-1 |
| 1988-1991 | Tom Giacomini | 150-31 |
| 1992 | Steve Neel | 32-9 |
| 1993-1995 | Vince Maiocco | 98-20 |
| 1996-2005 | Ken "Shorty" Ames | 387-93 |
| 2006-2013 | Matt Nutter | 329-94 |
| 2014-2016 | Tyson Fisher | 110-39 |
| 2017-present | Robin Guiver | 237-73 |
| 1945-present | Overall Record | 2693-830-1 |
Crabs Who Played in Major League Baseball
Many former Crabs players have gone on to play in Major League Baseball (MLB). In fact, 72 players who once wore the Crabs uniform made it to the big leagues! Some of these players include Dane Iorg, Mike Harkey, Steve Olin, Mike Redmond, and Bradley Zimmer.
Some players even played for the Crabs after playing in the MLB, like Lee Gregory and Bill Serena.
Famous Crabs Players and Coaches
Beyond those who made it to MLB, many other famous people in baseball have been part of the Crabs family. This includes coaches and players who became well-known in college baseball or other areas of sports. Some notable names are Augie Garrido, Mark Marquess, and Pat Casey.
Crabs Hall of Fame
The Humboldt Crabs have a Hall of Fame to honor important players, coaches, and teams from their history. Here are some of the people and teams who have been inducted:
- Class of 2012: Ned Barsuglia, Lou Bonomini, Mike Harkey, Dane Iorg, and the amazing 1985 Team (who won 51 games and lost only 3!).
- Class of 2013: Eddie Oliveira, Sandy Vance, Mark Marquess, Randy Niemann, Steve Olin, Tom Giacomini, Mike Redmond, and the 1968 Team.
- Class of 2014: Eldridge “Red” Hunt, Augie Garrido, Rich Bordi, Rod Booker, Steve Neel, Gary Wilson, Jeff Giacomini, and the 1981 Team.
- Class of 2015: Fred Papini, Lute Barnes, Shane Turner, Joe Gerber, Nick Giacone, and the 2003 Team.
- Class of 2016: Mark Pirrucello, John Oldham, Bruce Benedict, Jim Wilson, and the 1999 Team.
- Class of 2018: John Austin, Leo Rosales, Pat Clements, Bob Milano, Jack Fimple, and the 1990 team.
- Class of 2019: Hans Smith, Wade Hammond, Gregg Reynolds, Eric Gunderson, Al Masterson, Larry Taylor, David Ferres, Ken Dunaway, Joe Gallaty, Mary "Baseball Betty" Lacefield.
- Class of 2024: Al Brisack, Matt Tomlin, Greg Lorenzetti, Brandon Marcelli, Reggie Christiansen, Fred Lomeli, and the 2015 Team.
