2016 Humboldt Crabs Program

Humboldt Crabs 2016 51

Studs win NBC World Series
for second time in three
years; defeat Haysville 5-2

The Seattle Studs were founded in 1954 by Ben losses. They recorded three other tournament titles last
Cheney of Cheney Lumber Company in Tacoma, WA. summer.
They have had two notable players drafted to the MLB — The Studs have appeared in the NBC World Series Title
Tim Lincecum with the Giants and Brent Lillibridge with Game in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. The have
the White Sox, Cubs and several other MLB teams. been crowned champions in 2013 and 2015.
Seattle claimed their second NBC World Series Title last Managed by Barry Aden, the Studs return to Arcata
summer. The Studs are no stranger to the title game in during the West Coast Showcase. The tournament was
recent years, having a total of four second-place finishes. proposed last summer by Aden and the Crabs board
The Studs finished last summer with 44 wins and 11 after a weekend series in Arcata where the Crabs took
the series 2 out of 3. Both teams had hoped to put on a
"Best of the West," type tournament to showcase some
of the best teams in California who had competed in
Wichita, Kansas for the World Series either recently
or historically made the journey in the past. The Santa
Barbara Forresters and the San Luis Obispo Blues were
invited, but couldn't make it due to league scheduling
issues. — www.seattlestuds.com

organization. The Mudcats offer clinics and camps to local Twitter since their Facebook page is last dated on 2013.
youth and continue to offer player instruction up through the
Solano Mudcats Collegiate team. Sebena and Czajkowski Crabs travel down south to play
have since moved on but frequently check in on the Cats. the San Luis Obispo Blues
Shawn Scibek remains the heartbeat of the Mudcats both
as a coach as well as serving on the board. The Mudcats The San Luis Obispo Blues are a Summer Collegiate
are a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. Wooden Baseball Club. All of our players are current
Collegiate athletes.
— www.solanomudcats.org The Blues are a member of the California Collegiate
League (CCL), one of the top collegiate leagues in the
Pacific Union Financial country. The CCL is comprised of
Capitalists (Puf Caps) twelve (12) teams; broken into the three
divisions: North, Central & South. North:
The Pacific Union Financial Capitalists are a nation-wide, Menlo Park Legends, Walnut Creek
elite 18U traveling baseball Crawdads, Neptune Beach Pearl and
team. The team is comprised Pacific Union Capitalists. Central: Blues,
of top recruits, all entering D-1 the Santa Barbara Foresters (2006,
schools in the Fall, each of 2008 & 2012 NBC Champions), Conejo
which has earned a baseball scholarship. Oaks, Santa Paula Halos, SLO Blues. South: the MLB
The goal of the coaching staff is to provide players the Academy Barons (a MLB sponsored program based out of
best opportunity to be successful when entering college. Compton), the Orange County Brewers, the So. Cal Catch,
To accomplish this goal, the CAPS play 40 plus games and the South Bay Saints.
in 50 days, compete against some top collegiate teams Home games are held at Sinsheimer Stadium, located
in addition to 18U peers, and play in three of the most at 900 Southwood Drive in San Luis Obispo. The team
competitive tournaments on the West Coast. continues to be ranked among the top 20 teams nationally
All the athletes have been recruited to play for the CAPS, from a field of over 260 teams.
there is no pay-to-play option. The Puf Caps website was
recently hacked, so we recommend you follow them on continued next page

52 Humboldt Crabs 2016

Crabs Opponents and advance the professional and winning over 80 games in 3 years and
continued physical skills of collegiate ballplayers winning back to back Golden State
at the highest level of competition. Collegiate Baseball League (GSCBL)
The Blues began in 1946 when Local and national Division I baseball Championships in 2013 and 2014. In
founding Manager Sandy Leguina players continue their development 2013, they were ranked by Perfect
gathered a group of WWII veterans with Blues while temporarialy away Game Baseball as one of the TOP 50
coming home to San Luis Obispo who from their parent college or university. Collegiate Summer baseball teams in
wanted to play baseball. He added a Their third objective is to continue and the country. They accomplished this in
few younger players and began the expand our internship program which only the 2nd year of their existence.
season playing against semi-pro and focuses on a learn-by-doing approach.
town teams from throughout California. They take great pride in their interns' Walnut Creek
Originally dubbed the "Merchants," the involvement in nearly every aspect of Crawdads
team name was changed just weeks operations, and will have more than
into the first season. George Baker, 25 individuals interning with their The Walnut Creek Crawdads are a
local sports editor of the Telegram- organization for the 2016 season. summer collegiate
Tribune, renamed the team the baseball team
"Blues" after their blue lettering and The Alameda founded in 2010
blue stockings. He stated that any Merchants who compete
team worth anything needed a more in the California
colorful name, and declared that any The Merchants appeared in 2012, as Collegiate League
objections should be directed to his a summer collegiate baseball team. (CCL). The team is
desk, "else in the future we will" use That inaugural focused on providing
the new name. year, the team was an opportunity for the team to play
managed by Tim against high-level competition and to
THE MISSION Nelson and coached improve their skills as they continue
The SLO Blues Organization has by Ken Jones, Dan their quest to become professional
three (3) main objectives. The first Mills and Jeff Croft. baseball players.The team consists of
is to provide first-rate and affordable The initial idea current student-athletes competing at
family entertainment to California's behind bringing a team back in the division 1, 2, and junior colleges
Central Coast residents. The Blues Alameda was to give the local kids in from around the country.
believe it's their responsibility as a and around Alameda a place to play More Than A Game, the parent
local business to give back to this summer baseball while they were organization of the Crawdads, is
great community. To this end, they in college. This would provide these a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit
have established Outreach Programs kids who were not invited to the big organization.
like the Charity Partners Program, collegiate leagues in Alaska, Kansas,
the Educational Partner Program, Texas and Cape Cod an opportunity Bercovich Baseball
and the Blues Buddies Program. to further their baseball careers and
Their second objective is to mentor increase their baseball skills. Bercovich Baseball Club originated
The Merchants have been extremely in 1927 in Oakland and many former
successful as a collegiate team — Bercovich players have moved on to
play at the highest levels, including
MLB. Bercovich Furniture was found
across the street from the Oakland
Coliseum and the Bercovich family
helped many inner city players along
their baseball and life paths. Headfirst
Baseball West Coast obtained
approval from the Bercovich family
in 2005 to bring the Bercovich teams
back and the Bercovich Collegiate

San Luis Obispo Blues play at a city run ballpark called Sinsheimer Park.

Humboldt Crabs 2016 of former Humboldt Crab coach Andrew 53
Ayers as their everyday field manager. Laney College in
team is the pinnacle of the system, Andrew is currently an assistant coach Oakland.
which has teams as young as 10U. at Sacramento State University, serving The name
The Bercovich College team is based as their Director of Operations. Prior Neptune Beach is
out of Pleasanton and aims to provide to arriving back at CSUS, Andrew was derived from the
a place to play for college players who the recruiting coordinator for Yavapai famous attraction
have come up in our system. The goal College during the 2015 season. He Neptune Beach,
is to play against other top college also served as an assistant coach for an amusement park that operated in
teams to help players compete at high the Humboldt Crabs in the summer of Alameda from 1917 to 1939.
levels and reach their baseball goals. 2014 and 2015. The Pearl were crowned the 2015
CCL Champions in San Luis Obispo.
Rally Factory Rock Ayers played 4 years at CSU They finished their 2015 campaign 38-
Hounds tap Ayers as Sacramento and was selected by the 17 overall and 17-8 in league play.
Field Manager Kansas City Royals in the 30th round Five members of the 2015 Pearl were
of the 2013 MLB Draft. He played in named to the California Collegiate
The Rally Factory 44 games for the Burlington Royals League All-Star Game that is
Rock Hounds are a and hit one home run with 11 RBIs broadcasted live on Fox Sports West
sponsored summer and 17 runs scored in the Rookie in July. They included: Lucas Erceg
baseball program. Appalachian League. (Cal) .338 Avg, 24 Hits, 7 Doubles, 3
The collegiate Home Runs, 15 RBI's, Patrick Massoni
team is comprised Neptune Beach (Austin Peay) .287 Avg, 31 Hits, 8
of student-athletes Pearl crowned 2015 Doubles, 1 Triple, 1 Home Run, 11
from Division 1 & 2 Universities, as CCL Champs RBI'S, Ricardo Salinas (Rice) 22 2/3
well as Junior College Players going Innings Pitched, 29 K's, 4 BB, 1.19
into their Junior year at a 4-year. The Neptune Beach Pearl Collegiate ERA, Steven Smith (Texas Tech) .276
The organization also has a Junior Summer Baseball team was founded Avg, 27 Hits, 5 Doubles, 14 RBI's
Rockhounds team comprised of high in the year 2011. and Johnathon Tripp (Texas Tech) 31
school age student-athletes. The team is located in Alameda, Innings Pitched, 36 K's, 3 BB, 2.32
Nestled in Solano County, they are an island located just outside of ERA.
located 45 miles west of the state Oakland. The Pearl currently play at
capital, Sacramento. The Rock Neptune Beach Pearl's mascot Gem
Hounds program is one of the only and their CCL 2015 championship ring.

programs that has
its own college
facility as it's home
field. The Rock
Hounds play at
Solano College in
Sacramento.
The Rock Hounds
announced on their
website the hiring

 
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54 Humboldt Crabs 2016

LOU BONOMINI

“Mr. Baseball of Humboldt County”

BY MARIA BONOMINI BRIGGS AND JACK NASH what was necessary

around the ball park.

his year, 2016, is the 100th This included cleaning

birthday of one of the most the balls with canned

influential semi-pro baseballers milk! Vera was also

in the United States, Lou known to mend uniforms

Bonomini. He will be and work at the grocery

honored, along with store so Lou could make
the rest of his family trips to scout, travel north 1935 Arcata Blues. Top: Mingo Bianchi, Nick Kostachinko,
on July 10th during John Moore, Wilfred McCoy, Ugo Giuntini, Grenfil Hartman,
the 2016 Humboldt to Alaska for league
Crabs season. Bill Touhy. Front: Frank Crnich, Charley Timmons, Mel
and non-league games, Sundquist, Wes St. Louis, Lou Bonomini, Fred Papini.
travel the State for NBC

Lou was born April State tournaments and for the Loggers. One of his high

9, 1916, in Blue Lake, travel to Wichita for the NBC National school teammates and good friend,

CA. The founder of tournament. As the children married, Reco Pastori, would play alongside

the famous Humboldt several spouses joined in, one working Lou for many seasons in the Humboldt

Crabs semi-pro the concession and the other doing County leagues and for the Crabs.

baseball team in 1945 Lou already had electrical and other work as needed Other teammates on the 1935 team

a long history of baseball in Humboldt including fabricating a hot dog steamer! such as Rudy Tomich, Dave Hauger,

County under his belt. It was truly a family affair. Chet Allen and Leo Perrone would

Lou married Elvira (Vera) Champi on Lou attended schools in the Eureka have their own success in local leagues

November 12, 1939, and would raise area including Bucksport Elementary, after high school. Lou also worked on

a large “baseball” family of 10 children Lincoln Elementary, Nazareth Academy, the high school Redwood Bark and

– Robert, Maria, James, Louise, Carl, Eureka Jr. High, and Eureka High Sequoia publications staffs and was in

Louis E., David, Alan, Kenneth and School (graduating in 1935). At Eureka the Boys Glee Club.

Susan. All the boys grew up being High he was an outstanding baseball Lou worked locally on the family dairy

bat boys for the Humboldt Crabs; and player. He was captain of the baseball farm, and Eureka Tallow Co. before

Bob, Jim, David, and Ken also played team his last two years and had one going into the grocery business with

for the team as well as grandsons of the highest batting averages in the his brother Joe in 1937 and remained

Fred and Garth. Over the years the history of the school, around .560. He in the business until his retirement in

entire family contributed to the Crabs was part of the Eureka High team that 1981. Joe was active in baseball too,

program with Vera, the boys and the won the league championship under first as a player then a player-manager

girls working concessions (as well as legendary coach Les Mooneyham. He and then an umpire. He umpired Crabs

four grandchildren), coaching (Bob), mostly played the infield, third base, but games for many years.

umpiring (David), and the boys doing also pitched and played some outfield Through the years in addition to his

contributions to the Humboldt Crabs,

Lou was involved in the startup of

the Midget and Babe Ruth baseball

leagues as well as a board member

and coach and provided labor as

needed. He also coached the

American Legion 212 baseball team

and provided labor as needed there as

well and volunteered (maintaining the

fields, building bleachers, etc.) for St.

Bernard’s High School.

In Lou’s spare time, whenever that

was possible, he would hunt and

fish and often, after a Sunday single

game, could be seen on the Van

1946 Paladini Crabs. Top: Charlie Timmons, Charley Beauchamp, Tom Kipp, Bruce Duzen River with family and one or
Johnson, Bunny Hadley, Clarence McClain, Bob Mathews, Reco Pastori, Dave Hauger. more of the Crabs ballplayers. Almost

Front: Bay Boy Frank Bettendorf, Royce Lima, Links Carranco, Rudy Tomich, Lou everyone would tell you that they

Bonomini, Fred Papini, Eddie Oliveira, John McDonald, Nelo Dal Porto. loved Lou Bonomini’s sense of humor

Humboldt Crabs 2016 55

and his unique laugh. He developed
friendships with baseball people
throughout the west including other
semi-pro and college coaches as well
as the scouts.

BASEBALL EXPERIENCE 1940 Samoa/Arcata Team. Top: Wilfred McCoy, Charlie Timmons, Jim Paul, Chet Allen,
Bob Mathews, Ike Kinman, Charley Kovacovich, Harry Leggett, Melvin Robinson.
Baseball was a big part of Lou’s Front: Frankie Costa, Chub Ohleyer, Reco Pastori, Lou Bonomini, Fred Papini, E.
life and he started early. Remember, Hemingway, Coach Chet Berrtolacci, Don Durdan.
there weren’t youth leagues such as
Little League/Midget League or Babe the Humboldt Crabs. In 1942 he was building one (possibly in Parkside
Ruth in those days. He first played at the player-manager for Eureka Tallow across from Sequoia Park) but it never
age 14 for the Bayview Cubs in 1930 Co. in the Redwood League. In 1943 materialized. For the first 10 seasons
and again in the summer of 1931. In and 1944 there were only independent the Crabs played their Saturday night
1932 he was on the Crannell nine in teams and Lou played for the Chicago games at the Arcata Ball Park and
the Mid-County Baseball League and Bridge and Iron Co. both years. He Sundays in the old Albee Stadium.
in 1933 played in the same league for was the player-manager in 1944. This Scheduling issues at the Arcata Ball
YMI (Young Men’s Institute). In the team also featured players who would Park resulted in the Crabs moving their
same year, 1933, a new league was help to start the Crabs. He often played games to Eureka. They were able to
formed named the Humboldt American shortstop for many of these years and reach an agreement with the Eureka
Baseball League; and Lou (who was teamed up with his friend, Reco Pastori, School Board whereby the Crabs
only 17) and his brother Joe managed 2nd base, to present a formidable would install lights around the Albee
and Lou coached the Troy Trojans in double play combination. Stadium field at a cost of $8000 and
this league. In 1934 he was back with the field would be reserved for them
the Bayview Cubs, then played for the HUMBOLDT CRABS on Saturdays and Sundays during the
Freshwater Loggers in the Mid-County baseball season. So starting in 1954
Baseball League and left them to play One day Lou was walking by the they played most of their games in
for the Arcata Blues in the Redwood Eureka Newspaper office when Eureka until 1968 when they returned
League. Remember, he was not yet president and publisher Don O’Kane to the Arcata Ball Park for all games.
out of high school! Immediately after motioned him into his office and told They rarely travelled out of the area
graduating from high school in 1935, him, “We have to have baseball here playing mostly Bay Area teams at home
Lou Bonomini would show up In box (to represent Humboldt County against except for State tournaments until the
scores for well-known and talented Bay Area teams) and you’re the guy 1960’s and 70’s when they continued to
teams in Humboldt County’s top leagues who has to start it.” He was only 28 travel to several State tournaments and
from 1935 through 1944. He played years old, but already being familiar added trips to the NBC tournament in
in 1935 with the Arcata Blues of the with the best baseballers in Humboldt Wichita, Kansas, as well as many trips
Redwood League which included Mingo County and experienced in managing north playing in Oregon, Washington,
Bianchi, Ugo Giuntini, Charlie Timmons, he took on the job. Plus, friend and Canada and Alaska both for league
Wes St. Louis, and Fred Papini. In 1935 pitcher Charlie Timmons was the and non-league games and their last
he was also selected to play for the manager of fishery A. Paladini, Inc., tournament in Hawaii. Prior to 1954
Merchants All-Stars team and played so they had a sponsor. As John Ward they participated in the NBC State
against the San Francisco Seals. of the site “Goodoldsandlotdays.com” Tournament in Stockton (4th) 1947,
stated, “1945: The formation of the Sacramento (3rd) 1948, and Atwater
In 1936 Lou played for the Sioux Humboldt Crabs signaled the start (2nd) in 1949. Unfortunately, we do not
Falls Canaries, a Class D team in the of one of the most famous baseball know where they placed in years 1950-
Nebraska State League; but he didn’t programs on the West Coast, if not the 51-53. In 1961 they began hosting the
feel it was the right fit for him and entire nation.” Paladini’s sponsored the NBC State Tournament only playing
he returned to Eureka to play for the Crabs for the first three years and then two State tournaments on the road
Eureka Merchants in the Redwood they became independent. Lou and from 1961 through 1982. They won 18
League. In 1938 the Oakland Oaks of Charlie Timmons realized the need for of the 22 state tournaments including
the Pacific Coast League invited him to a permanent ball park in Eureka and, in winning 15 in a row. With the exception
try out but he declined. 1947, talked to the City of Eureka about
continued next page
In 1937 he again played for the
Eureka Merchants. From 1938 through
1941 he played for the Samoa/Arcata
baseball team in the Redwood League
and was an important part of this
championship team that included a
number of players who would end up on

56 through 1985 the Humboldt Crabs Humboldt Crabs 2016
hosted the WBA West of the Rockies
LOU BONOMINI Tournament winning the tournament Lou and Vera Bonomini in 1939 on their
all four years. The teams participating honeymoon. Vera will be inducted into
Continued depending on the year were teams from the Crabs Hall of Fame on July 16 for her
Oregon, Washington and California contributions to Crabs baseball.
of several years from 1961 through teams from as far away as Los Angeles. re-sawn so he could build the
1985 they travelled to Wichita, Kansas, The Crabs last tournament under announcer’s booth. If necessary, he
to compete in the NBC tournament Lou’s management was the 1986 dipped into his own pocket to make
finishing as high as 3rd three times, United States Open Amateur Baseball things work. Fortunately, he did have
4th three times, and 5th three times. Tournament in Hawaii. the support and help of his friends as
Hopefully, we will be able to obtain well as his wife and his family. They all
the results for the years where we In the first several years the ball worked quietly behind the scenes. They
do not have any records. In addition players were local players from the top
to the NBC tournaments, the Crabs leagues in the County who had families
participated in the Western Baseball and jobs here; some had professional
Association League from 1967 through baseball experience. Three or four
1969 winning the league all three years years into the program due to injuries
and again participated in the WBA from some players were brought in to
1983 through 1986 winning the league play. Eventually, college players were
title all four years. Depending on the recruited to play alongside local players
year, the teams were from Washington, in order to compete at the national
Colorado, Nevada, Alaska, Oregon, semi-pro level. In the early years Lou
San Rafael, San Jose, Seaside, Davis, basically did as much as he could
El Cerrito, Sacramento, Oakland, San himself — securing games, equipment,
Francisco, Santa Rosa, Fremont, San housing, jobs for the players,
Mateo, Gilroy, Rohnert Park, CA and concessions, scouting, recruiting, etc.,
the Humboldt Crabs. In 1970 and 1971 even to the point where he built the
the Crabs participated in the Big West ticket booth at the Arcata Ball Park
Conference league which included the and later on had the redwood from the
Humboldt Crabs, two Alaska teams, bleachers that were torn down
Bellingham Bells from Washington
and Grand Junction, CO. From 1982

Humboldt Crabs 2016 57

must have loved the game as much as the NBC State Tournament in Atwater for a semi-pro team. Lou retired in
he did. One such individual was Ned he was named “Outstanding Manager 1987. The Humboldt Crabs retired his
Barsuglia who was involved in raising of the Tournament” and son Bob was uniform (# 29) and before each Crab
funds to support the ball club from named “Best Bat Boy”. In the 1953 game they place a wooden replica on
1946 to 1954. In 1954 he joined the Atwater Tournament he was named the outfield fence. In the year 2000
Crabs Board of Directors, became the “North Division All-Tournament Semi- one of the Cutten Complex fields was
first Business Manager, and in the later Pro Team Manager”; and in the 1966 named “Lou Bonomini Field”.
years General Manager. Although he State Tournament in Arcata he was
and Lou collaborated on most decisions, named “All Tournament Manager”. In A Mike Wolcott article in the Times-
it lightened the load for Lou. During the Wichita at the NBC Tournament in 1967 Standard dated 11/20/87 states,
early years, some players would be he was runner up for “Manager of the “Bonomini compiled a coaching record
housed with families including with the Year” and in 1968 was given the trophy of 1,335 victories against just 447
Bonominis, and they became part of the for “Individual Sportsmanship”. In a defeats.” That is a winning percentage
"family." Many continued to stay in touch June 17, 1956, article in the Humboldt of .749! Possibly the most significant,
with Lou after their Crab careers. Times by Al Tostado he was recognized however, is the number of Humboldt
for his faithfulness to the “National Crabs players who have signed pro
Although Lou was known to have Pastime” by being involved with the contracts. The list is quite long. His
played every position during his baseball Crabs, Lions Cubs of the Eureka legacy is that he gave so many young
career he mostly played the outfield with Midget League (sons Jim and Lou) players an opportunity to play and
the Humboldt Crabs as player-manager and the Post 212 American Legion develop.
until 1953, played part time from 1954 team (son Bob) as well as the Pony
through 1956, and then managed the League practices. He received many Lou Bonomini died in December
ball club until his retirement after the accolades through the years including 2000, but his legacy continues. Photos
1987 season. In addition, he was the “Sportsman of the Decade”, and was courtesy of Maria Bonomini Briggs and
NBC (National Baseball Congress) the guest of honor at a Hot Stove Jack Nash.
California State Commissioner from Night in 1978 where he received many
1964 until about 1980. plaques and testimonials. In 1979 the The Humboldt Crabs are celebrated
Humboldt Crabs earned their 1,000th as the oldest continuous semi-pro
Lou won many awards and win which is an impressive milestone baseball program in America!
recognitions for his involvement in
local and national baseball. In 1949 at

58 Humboldt Crabs 2016

The Arcata Ballpark

The Arcata ballpark is a city-run park he is working diligently with the Crabs to with us on this project. The distillery is
and the Crabs are merely the main fix up the ballpark before opening day. owned by long-time Crabs fans and
tenant for the summer months. Some of the park’s facade which is Crabs sponsors Amy and Stephen
According to records, the ballpark made up of old lumber — donated by Bohner. They produce clear, white
was built over a period of time between the mills back in the day — is starting BOLDT whiskey out of Arcata.
1934-1941. to show its age and will need replacing Thanks to the Bohner’s, Crabs fans
The Arcata ballpark is still a work in very soon. now have access to free, filtered
progress. The Crabs and the City of In early May, a few of the Crabs Board drinking water to refill their reusable
Arcata are putting together a master of Directors met with the City of Arcata’s canteens that are available for sale at
plan for future renovations. Parks and Recreation Committee as the souvenir stand. The Crabs recently
First and foremost, the Crabs well as the Economic Development installed a plaque as a thank you to the
would like to replace or renovate the Committee for a tour of the ballpark. Bohners for their generous support.
bleachers. They were put in the park Many ideas were discussed about how The Crabs have set up a donation
around the 1980s. We are hoping to to improve the ballpark as well as the fund called the Ballpark Improvement
have better bleachers by 2017. The possibility of it being a multi-use park. Projects Fund. It has been set up in
dugouts are also on the list. There was also a discussion on how to order to raise monies for any new
The latest field improvement included a better recycle and how to implement a ballpark improvements the City of Arcata
better drainage system, put in about four zero waste program in the ballpark. and the Crabs wish to accomplish
years ago. The field is sand-based, so Many of our sponsors and community in future years. If you would like to
when a lot of weight or wear and tear is partners are responsible for some of the partner with us on any future ballpark
put on it, the field needs to be restored. improvements the Crabs have made to projects, shoot us a email to info@
A lot of work goes into maintaining the park in recent years. One upgrade humboldtcrabs.com.
not only the lush grass, the infield, the the Crabs felt was important was the
pitcher’s mound, and the surrounding installation of a water filtration station
structures. Mike O’Dowd is the head on the first base side. The Crabs asked
grounds keeper for the City of Arcata and Alchemy Distillery if they would partner

H. T. HARVEY & ASSOCIATES

Ecological Consultants

Humboldt Crabs 2016 59

60 Humboldt Crabs 2016

GO CRABS, GO! Statistics from the Automated Scorebook

PC 2015 Humboldt Crabs Game Results
Hear what you’ve been missing.
RECORD: 41 Wins – 9 Losses | Home: 36-6 | Away: 5-3
831 Harris Street (J & Harris) Eureka • 832-4919
Date Location Result/Score

Aug 02, 2015 Arcata Crabs 11,Auburn Wildcats 1
Aug 02, 2015 Arcata Crabs 5, Solano Mudcats 2
Aug 01, 2015 Arcata Crabs 6,Auburn Wildcats 0
Jul 31, 2015 Arcata Crabs 13, Solano Mudcats 1
Jul 30, 2015 Arcata Crabs 9, Pacific Capitalists 7
Jul 29, 2015 Arcata Crabs 18, Bay Area Tides 3
Jul 28, 2015 Arcata Crabs 6, Bay Area Tides 2
Jul 26, 2015 Arcata Crabs 5, Prune Packers 1
Jul 25, 2015 Arcata Crabs 16, Prune Packers 3
Jul 24, 2015 Arcata Prune Packers 5, Crabs 1
Jul 22, 2015 Arcata Crabs 7, SF Seals 4
Jul 21, 2015 Arcata Crabs 4, SF Seals 3
Jul 19, 2015 Arcata Redding Colt .45s 8, Crabs 2
Jul 18, 2015 Arcata, Crabs 17, Redding Colt .45s 1
Jul 17, 2015 Arcata Crabs 8, Redding Colt .45s 1
Jul 15, 2015 Arcata Crabs 13, Berkovich Baseball 3
Jul 14, 2015 Arcata Crabs 22, Berkovich Baseball 8
Jul 12, 2015 Arcata Crabs 7, Cali Storm 2
Jul 11, 2015 Arcata Crabs 15, CaliStorm 1
Jul 10,2015 Arcata Crabs 5, CaliStorm 1
Jul 08, 2015 Arcata Crabs 7,Alameda Merchants 2
Jul 07, 2015 Arcata Crabs 13,Alameda Merchants 4
Jul 05, 2015 Arcata Crabs 10, Solano Mudcats 7
Jul 04, 2015 Arcata Solano Mudcats 5, Crabs 2
Jul 03, 2015 Arcata Crabs 3, Solano Mudcats 2
Jul 01, 2015 Corvallis Corvallis Knights 5, Crabs 4
Jun 30, 2015 Corvallis Corvallis Knights 4, Crabs 3
Jun 28, 2015 Redding Redding Colt .45s 10, Crabs 6
Jun 27, 2015 Redding Crabs 8, Redding Colt .45s 1
Jun 26, 2015 Redding Crabs 14, Redding Colt .45s 4
Jun 24, 2015 Arcata Crabs 8, San Leandro Ports 7
Jun 23, 2015 Arcata Crabs 8, San Leandro Ports 2
Jun 21, 2015 Arcata W.C. Crawdads 10, Crabs 4
Jun 20, 2015 Arcata W.C. Crawdads 2, Crabs 1
Jun 19, 2015 Arcata Crabs 10, W.C. Crawdads 7
Jun 18, 2015 Arcata Crabs 3,Auburn Wildcats 2
Jun 17 2015 Arcata Crabs 9,Auburn Wildcats 3
Jun 16, 2015 Arcata Crabs 13,Auburn Wildcats 0
Jun 14, 2015 Arcata Seattle Studs 6, Crabs 3
Jun 13, 2015 Arcata Crabs 7, Seattle Studs 6
Jun 12, 2015 Arcata Crabs 4, Seattle Studs 1
Jun 10, 2015 Arcata Crabs 5, SF Seals 4
Jun 09, 2015 Arcata Crabs 6, SF Seals 1
Jun 07, 2015 Arcata Crabs 11, CaliExpos 6
Jun 06, 2015 Arcata Crabs 6, CaliExpos 3
Jun 05, 2015 Arcata Crabs 4, Cali Expos 3
Jun 03, 2015 Arcata Crabs 4, Novato Knicks 2
Jun 02, 2015 Arcata Crabs 7, Novato Knicks 5
May 31, 2015 Arcata Crabs 7, Fairfield Indians 2
May 30, 2015 Arcata Crabs 10, Fairfield Indians 1

Crabs Manager: Tyson Fisher, Coaches: Eric Giacone, Andrew Aayers,Andrew Nelson

Humboldt Crabs 2016 61

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INSIDE THE VISITOR DUGOUT

Q&A with Joey Gomes, GM (Left to Right) Daniel Comstock, Joey Gomes and Francis
and Field Manager of the Christy. Francis Christy was chosen in the 7th round of the MLB
Healdsburg Prune Packers draft and Daniel Comstock was chosen in the 18th round of the
MLB draft, both by the Arizona Diamondbacks in June of 2015.
You wear two hats, GM and Field
Manager, what sort of responsibilites on the independent circuit. The feedback I've received in
do you have on and off the field? my recruiting, is being in a league helps with the caliber of
All the recruiting, scheduling, looking players that need and want to be placed. Humboldt doesn't
for sponsors, garnering sponsorships, need to abide by this standard. The Crabs long standing
interacting with other community resume speaks for itself.
programs, and running youth camps.
The Crabs draw large crowds up in Arcata, what are the
What do you like best about playing the Crabs? Packers doing to get a crowd?
The Crabs have a great long standing program and they We are actively looking to improve in the attendance
always have a very competitive roster. department. Marketing dollars are now being spent in the
community to continue getting the word out.
Any other teams you look forward to playing?
Each team in the California Collegiate League (CCL).

What are your feelings about being in a league? Do the
college players and coaches prefer to be in leagues
and what’s the pros and cons to playing in a league for
the summer versus being Independent?
I found it difficult to put together a competitive schedule

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Two of your players got drafted last year. What advice FREE Intro Classes EVERY Saturday @ 9:30am!
did you give them? Play the game the right way. Try our Booty Boot Camps! (At both locations)
COME HAVE FUN. EXPERIENCE OUR AMAZING
How does your team give back to the community? COMMUNITY & GET RESULTS.
We donate to a charity picked at end of year. This year we Two great locations to serve you!!
are holding our first youth camp. 550 South G Street • Arcata (Suite 26 & 27)
1725 Tomlinson St. • Eureka
What do you like best about coaching a collegiate
team? Helping to develop players. Ready to get started today?
There are many ways to join Humboldt CrossFit.
Who was your favorite baseball player growing up?
I played two sports growing up — I was partial to Bo Schedule a FREE ASSESMENT TODAY!
Jackson.
[email protected] • 707-444-8888
Note: Joey Gomes played for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
and his brother Johnny Gomes also played in the majors.

66 Humboldt Crabs 2016

Welcome Aboard honoring her contribution to Crabs Baseball.

Newest addition to the How are you related to the Crabs founding father Lou
Crabs Board of Directors Bonomini?
Lou and Vera had seven sons and three daughters who all
Michelle Briggs contributed to the Humboldt Crabs in one way or another.
Their second child, and first daughter, Maria, is my
Duties: Assistant Secretary to the Secretary and Uniforms grandmother. My holidays were spent at my great-grand-
parent’s house with plenty of Italian food. Great Grandma
You were asked to join the Crabs board last year after B’s raviolis were my favorite!
many years of volunteerism. What do you do for the
organization? What do you want regular fans to know about the
In seasons past, I’ve board of directors now that you can see the operation
helped coordinate from the inside?
meals for the players You can’t imagine how much time, energy and effort the
between double-head- board members put in. I’m still “warming up,” to this
ers. Now, you’ll usually responsibility. My fellow board members work countless
find me on Wednesday weekends and evenings, on top of their day jobs, to pull
nights and Sunday off this beautiful thing most of us probably take for granted.
afternoons pre-treating While our board meets twice a month, so many board
the player’s uniforms members have countless extra meetings and have
before dropping them special projects they work on individually.
off at Emerald City Laundry. It’s actually one of my favorite It’s mind-boggling to think how much the legacy of the
jobs because it allows me to interact with the players and Humboldt Crabs Baseball really means to so many people.
they are grateful they don’t have to clean their uniforms. Without the board, it would all come to a grinding halt.
In the early days, my great-grandmother Vera Bonomini
washed the boys laundry herself, so it’s my simple way of You and your son Jake have been coming to Crabs
game since he was little, you must go to a lot of
games?
The ballpark was my home as a kid, so it’s just part of
our family’s summer tradition. Longtime Crabs fans might

continued

High-ranking Crabs volunteers
Founded in 1945, the Humboldt in addition to annual baseball Humboldt Crabs Baseball possible.
Crabs are the oldest continuously- skills camps and clinics operated The current Board of Directors
operated summer collegiate, wood- by Humboldt Crabs players and
bat, baseball team in the country. coaches; was established in 1995 when the
2016 will mark the 72nd consecutive n To preserve and build the tradition team was on the verge of collapse,
year of Crabs baseball. of Humboldt Crabs Baseball. and a group of local baseball
lovers rallied together to save the
The Crabs’ roster is mostly made Humboldt Crabs Baseball, Inc organization. In the past 20 years it
up of collegiate eligible players from is a 501(c)(4) community-owned has turned the team around to the
up and down the West Coast. organization. The volunteer board point where it has set attendance
of directors rely on the support of records in three straight seasons,
Its mission is four-fold: community members and sponsors pulling in an average of more than
n To promote family entertainment to keep the Humboldt Crabs 35,000 fans in the months of June
by providing high-quality summer Baseball operation functioning. and July.
collegiate baseball games to the
public at a reasonable price; Board of Directors 2016 CRABS B.O.D. ROSTER
n To provide talented collegiate- As a non-profit organization, the Executive Team: President:
level baseball players with a positive Vikki Rossi; Vice President:
summer baseball experience; Crabs rely on a dedicated group Bill Ruff; Treasurer: Ellen
n To support youth sports programs of volunteer directors for day- Barthman; Secretary: Tracy Mack;
(with an emphasis on baseball or to-day operations. The Board of Directors: Larry Zerlang, Carl
softball) in the Humboldt County Directors ranges in size from 12 to Pellatz, Roger Lorenzetti, Matt
area with contributions of funding 15 individuals. Each board member Filar, Erik Fraser, John Burke
and/or equipment, as funds permit, is responsible for handling many and Michelle Briggs.
behind-the-scenes tasks that make

Humboldt Crabs 2016 67

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68 Humboldt Crabs 2016

New Board Member: Michelle Briggs growing up — in the stands behind home plate, because I
literally wore baby Jake on my body to the ballpark.
remember a second dugout near the visitors’ dugout — that’s Then, we moved over near the visitor dugout because
where I watched Crabs games with my great-grandparents. there was enough room near the water fountain for Jake
I can’t imagine spending our Fourth of July elsewhere — to sit and play with sidewalk chalk and toy cars.
quality baseball, stadium food, local microbrews, my fellow Finally, I was able to move back to my favorite part of the
Crabby fans. It’s just become part of our routine to spend our park, the bleachers behind home plate, and give my son a
summers at the ballpark. It’s a time where I can connect with little independence to wander the park. All of our amazing
my son and he loves his Crabs family at the ballpark. staff and regular fans know him, so the ballpark was the
first place he’d venture out independently because he felt
What was it like with safe, even if it was just to the concession stand. School-
Garth Bonomini on the age kids need those safe places where they can demon-
team? strate trustworthiness.
More of my extended
family made time to get You met your fiancé Neil at the Arcata ballpark — tell
out to games regularly, us how that happened?
so each game was like Neil showed up to the ballpark with mutual friends of mine
a mini family reunion. on the last Friday of the 2013 season, and we were all sit-
Garth had so much fun ting together in left field. He instantly caught my eye — tall,
playing ball and fields dark, handsome and a fireman. Once I realized he loved
so well that it made the baseball, I was definitely interested. We talked all evening.
game even more fun to He asked if I would be at the game the following night and I
watch for me personally. replied, “I’m at all of the games, so yes.”
On Sundays, when Jake The following night was the first time I actually cared
and his buddies would about my appearance before heading out to the game. He
run the bases, he felt showed up and we continued our conversation right where
like he was related to a we left off. I put my phone number in his phone, and we’ve
celebrity. These players are heroes to our kids. been together ever since.

Where do you sit in the ballpark and why? You’re having your rehearsal dinner in left field at the
My first season as a mom, I sat where I remember sitting ballpark on June 22. Why did you choose a Crabs

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game as the location? What do you like most about coming to Crabs games?
While my family is mostly from Humboldt, Neil’s family The Arcata Ballpark is my summer home, and my Crabbie
is mostly from the Bay Area, and only a handful of them family is my summer family. It is really a two-month long
have made it up here. If we were going to get all of them to reunion with some of my closest friends and extended fam-
come up we wanted to show them one of our favorite things ily. I’m a teacher, so it’s hard to make time to see everyone
about Humboldt County. Where else can you have a ca- during the school year. The Crabs has the summer trifecta:
tered family picnic, good entertainment, kegs of beer, and quality baseball games, good food & beverages, and family
even a fireworks show?! Too many weddings are imperson- fun. It’s hard to think of a better place to spend an evening
al and frankly, boring. Ours will reflect the three of us, and or a Sunday afternoon in Humboldt in June or July.
who we are as a family. We are a Crabs family!
Have you ever won the 50/50?
Your bachelor and bachelorette parties are at an A’s For those who have never won 50/50, I’ll let you in on a
game, we sense a theme here. secret. I’d never won in 20+ years of attendance, until the
Growing up in the Bay Area, Neil’s dad took him to a lot of summer I started volunteering for the team. Something
Oakland A’s games. Neil was also a season ticket holder. about the good karma of donating my time to the Crabs
Neil took us to Jake’s first MLB game to see the A’s defeat made it happen. I won twice in one summer. I ended up
the Twins and Jake got a foul ball and met the A’s mascot, spending a large portion of it buying Crabs gear for my
Stomper. We instantly became diehard A’s fans. We have whole family. I’m hoping for continued karma as I donated it
friends who are fans of both Bay Area teams, and the Bay right back to the organization.
Bridge series is about a month before our wedding, so it
only made sense to choose the final game as our final send What do you think the future holds for the Crabs?
off into marriage. I’m excited about some of the ballpark improvements
the Crabs and the City of Arcata are currently planning.
Will Jake be a future Crab someday? I’d love for the bleachers to be replaced with actual seats,
Jake is on his fourth season of Little League in Arcata, and with a walkway behind the seating like one would see at
loves playing second base and catcher. I would love to see other ballparks. If the current board is any indication, I think
him as a Crab, but he participates in multiple sports includ- we can only expect amazing things from the Crabs as we
ing soccer, cross country, basketball and track, so who move forward, while continuing to honor the tradition and
knows. Right now, I just enjoy watching him play, even if it the legacy my great-grandfather Lou Bonomini, Ned Bar-
requires a full three-person parenting team to get him to all suglia, Jerry Nutter and many others who have contributed
of his games and events! to Humboldt County baseball.

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70 Humboldt Crabs 2016

New Crabs Coach built in. It is my intent as a coach to help my players be
more conscious competitors that more consistently enjoy
Q&A with hitting coach Tim Wheeler playing the game they love. 

Why did you decide to go into What will you impart on the collegiate baseball players
coaching? as far as how to play the game? What lessons can you
I was drawn to coaching after a teach them about baseball?
playing career full of many different I believe there is room in our game for every personality. A
personalities and philosophies. I game with energy and freedom is both more fun to play and
meshed well with many coaches and more fun to watch. I'll encourage my players to play loose
disagreed respectfully with others. I and display each of their individual personalities. I will have
did find however that every personality little tolerance for players who don't consistently play the
I encountered offered an opportunity game hard however. 
for growth. I learned to celebrate my
successes as a player and find value You are a great hitter, what can you share with the guys
in my mistakes. I did however at times about how to become a better hitter?
struggle to remember the kid's game that my career was A great hitter is one that is consistently under control.
Many mechanical elements can play into the performace
of a hitter, but being under control and balanced is a huge
component of being successful. I'll try to help our hitters
perform as athletically as possible while maintaining a
stable foundation that promotes a repeatable swing.

What were some of the highlights from your career
you're fond of from Sac State, the Draft and then the
minors and perhaps the "show"?
I met some of my best friends playing college baseball.
Many whom I still talk to today. Early morning weight
training and grueling days of conditioning became some
of the most told stories and strongest memories. Playing
professionally and collegiately my favorite memories are

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those of hard fought team victories. I
saw 18 frame extra inning contests,
and walk off grand slams. The crowds
gathered at home plate and the music
blaring in the clubhouse after a win,
those are the reasons you play the
game.
Have you ever been to a Crabs
game? Do you know what to expect?
I spent summers as a kid vacationing in
Arcata and watched my brother play two
summers of Crabs baseball. I remember
packed seats, buzzing energy, and lots
of victories. I look forward to returning
to Humboldt County and contributing to another exciting
product on the field. 
What are looking forward to most about coaching the
Crabs?
I mostly look forward to the nightly support the community
rallies for the Crabs. From what I remember there are few
atmospheres that approach what the Humboldt Crabs have
to offer.
What are your hobbies or what recreational things will
you do while you're here in Humboldt since you're
from Sacramento?
I love to fish have floated the Trinity Rver many times
chasing steelhead. I look forward to learning to play golf
again and spending time in the redwoods.

Humboldt Highlander’s
Pipes & Drums

Ted Hales
(707) 672-3580
[email protected]

72 Humboldt Crabs 2016

Crab Grass Band turns 33: 1983-2016 Sweet Caroline
Take It To The Street
The Crab Grass Band is a group of musicians from the Humboldt Bay area who come together each summer to Take Me Out To The
entertain at Humboldt Crabs baseball games at the Arcata Ball Park. Since 1983, the band has provided musical Ballgame
interludes pre-game, post-game, and between innings. The band also performs the "Star Spangled Banner" in the Telephone
absence of guest performers. The band attends a majority of the games. It is a volunteer organization supported Tetris
by its members, the Humboldt Crabs, and a few generous fans. Feel free to make a song request! That’s The Way I Like It
The Kids Aren’t All Right
25 Or 6 To 4 Celebration Happy Man Of La Mancha Thrift Shop
7 Nation Army Centerfold Happy Meeting And Glory Mercy, Mercy, Mercy Touch Me
A-Team China Grove Heartbreaker Misirlou What Is Love (Baby Don’t
A-Train Crazy Here It Goes Again More Than A Feelin Hurt Me)
All Right Now Crazy Little Thing Hernandos Hideaway On Broadway White Rabbit
Anchors Aweigh Crazy On You Hey Baby Organ Tunes #1,#2 You Give Love A BadName
And She Was Crazy Train Hey Ya! Oye Como Va You’ve Said It All
Anyway You Want It Domino High Chaparral Para Los Rumberos Zelda
Austin Powers Don’t Fear The Reaper Hooked On A Feeling Peter Gunn * All donations excepted!
Ballin The Jack Down On The Corner Horse Pink Panther Feel free to donate to the
Basin St. Blues Dream On Hot Time Proud Mary band so they can go on
Beer Barrel Dynamite Hustle Purple Haze the road with the team.
Big Spender Elvira I Got You Rawhide Travel is expensive.
Billie Jean Final Count Down I Just Want To Celebrate Separate Ways And remember to buy
Blinded By The Light Forget You I Shot The Sheriff She’s Not There the band a beer! They just
Blue Monk Free Bird Immigrant Song Sheena Is Punk Rocker showed up one day and
Blues Bros. Free Ride Iron Man Sing, Sing, Sing started playing for free.
Boom Boom Boom Funk #49 It’s Not Unusual Smooth Criminal
Brooklyn Funkytown Justa Gigolo Somebody Told Me
Buffalo Soldier Get It On Killer Joe Soul Man
Build Me Up Buttercup Gimme Some Lovin Land Of A 1000 Dances Star Spangled
California Dreamin Godzilla Let It Go Star Wars Episode 1
Camoflauge Grazin In The Grass Let’s Dance Star Wars/ Indy Jones
Can-Can Green Onions Mac Park Steppin’ Out
Carry On Grinch/If I Only Had A Brain Magnum Pi Sunshine Of Your Love

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Get out your wallets! brand of crazy, the people here in

Luiza Osborne, forever the 50/50 girl Texas can sure give them a run

AUSTIN, TX — Not sure if you remember me, it's been for their money. One gentleman
about four years, but I used to be the loud obnoxious HSU
basketball player who gave your wallets PTSD. I was better called in two weeks after I started
known as the 50/50 girl. Every once in awhile I get a reallly
good idea for a sales pitch to make you laugh and open your and told me his truck was shot up
pockets and purses (including topics like high gas prices, the
hilarity called the Lakers, the Kardashians and this year's with a shotgun. When I expressed
presidential race). It's been awhile since I’ve last checked in,
and I just wanted to give y'all a quick update on my new life concern about his safety, he
in the Lone Star State.
Since I've moved here, I have locked my keys in my car informed he was all right as he was
seven times, set a roof on fire, lived with a sports producer
and then moved in with a young woman who had 16 cats standing next to his buddy drinking
and six dogs, rode a mechanical bull, got a newfound liking
for country music, caught my first fish, went to a Longhorns a beer while he did it.
basketball game, and discovered Doctor Who. I've also
discovered a movie rental store that gives out free beer on I've also started acting. I've
Tuesdays and have been called a California liberal more
times than I can count. gone on several auditions,

I work at an auto body shop at a car dealership. Unlike my mostly for plays, and I have been
last customer service job — the Humboldt Crabs, which was
a dream come true — this one is slightly different. Apparently Luiza "Lu" Osborne mostly rejected. It’s debilitating,
people don’t like crashing their cars and like getting them embarrassing, and does just
fixed even less. While Crabs fans are certainly a special
wonderfully awful things to my self-esteem. I love it!

I’m moving back to California. I will try to continue on this

foolish, sure-to-fail path I’ve chosen for myself. I’m hoping to

find my way back to Arcata sometime in the summer.

I’m sure the echoes of my shouting and obnoxious

comments have long since faded under the beer drenched

bleachers and Crab fans are comfortable bringing $20 bills

back to the game now. I just want to say ... that field and that

town is where my heart is. I will forever be grateful for what

you Crabs fans have given me, and that is the idea, the hope

btheaHstteIpncaorsut leodflbmleesM.oImwaeottuehldirngniaemvleosrreh.iasTvheaafnofkaumnyodiulityfoootrhlweorvnwineisgdet.haend
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Humboldt Crabs 2016 75

Rotary, Junior Giants
and Crabs team up

Community partnership
effort sends the Jr Giants
to a Crabs game for free!

With the help of Rotary Club of
Eureka board president, Jay Bahner, Lost Coast Rotaract
member, Klark Swan, and the Crabs board, the Junior
Giants received a check for $700 to send their Junior
Giants to a Crabs game on July 9th.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Redwoods Junior Giants
Program is more than just baseball. It’s a free, non-
competitive, co-ed baseball program for underserved boys
and girls, ages 5-13. Working together with local agencies,
parents, and volunteers, Junior Giants offers youth a
chance to learn the basics of baseball during the summer,
while also discovering the importance of self-esteem and
respect. Participants are taught the Junior Giants Four
Bases of Character Development: Confidence, Integrity,
Leadership and Teamwork as well as fundamental lessons
in Education, Health and Violence Prevention.

To donate, contact Chris Nystrom at the Boys & Girls
Club of the Redwoods at (707) 441-1030 or (707) 296-3699
or visit www.bgcredwoods.org.

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76 Humboldt Crabs 2016

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Humboldt Crabs 2015 77

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Crabs Camps! Weekly Camp Dates for ages 9 to 14: $95 Fee

Youth Baseball Camps for Boys & Girls July 11–15: McKinleyville (Hiller Park) Hours: 9am–1pm
July 18–22: Arcata (Little League Field) Hours: 9am–1pm
Every summer, the Crabs offer several youth camp July 18-22: Fortuna (Newburg Park) Hours: 9am–1pm
sessions for the 9-14 age group, as well as an advanced July 25-29: Eureka (Redwood Fields) Hours: 9am–1pm
camp session for kids 12-15. The cost for the week-long
camps is $95 per child, with discounts available for families Advanced Camp for ages 12 to 15 only: $65 Fee
with multiple children attending. The fee includes an Aug 1–4: Eureka (Redwood Fields) Hours: 9am–12pm
authentic Crabs Baseball Camp T-shirt, a youth season
pass, and ten adult tickets. Camp size is limited to the first Three-Day Camps for ages 6 to 8: $45 Fee
90 registrants so sign up now! July 6-8: McKinleyville (Hiller Park) Hours: 9am–12pm
July 18-20: Arcata (Little League Field) Hours: 9am–12pm
Campers will enjoy a week with the best baseball players July 18-20: Fortuna (Newburg Park) Hours: 9am–12pm
in Humboldt County and receive an authentic Humboldt July 25-27: Eureka (Redwood Fields) Hours: 9am–12pm
Crabs Camp T-shirt, one youth season pass to ALL Crabs
home games, and a strip of 10 adult tickets. enrollments must be submitted at the same time in order to
qualify for the discount.
Additional family member fees are as follows: second
child is $75 and any additional children are only $65 each. Crabs Coaches & Players
Each camp begins with a welcome and hands on
Three-day beginners camps for kids ages 6-8 are $45, involvement by the Crabs coaches. During the week, Crabs
and the four-day advanced camp for ages 12-15 is $65. Coaches, Eric Giacone and Tim Wheeler will direct their
Each child at those camps will receive 4 youth tickets and 2 squad players hand-picked from the Crabs roster for their
adult tickets to a Crabs game. (Please complete a separate baseball skills and their ability to work well with kids.
form for each child. All forms must be submitted at the Pick up a camp form at the souvenir stand or ask for Crabs
same time in order to take advantage of reduced rates.) Board Member, Roger Lorenzetti at the park or call him at
(707) 499-9075 or email: [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: Reduced price for additional camp or
family member does not include camp t-shirt or ticket strip.
Ticket strips are limited to one per family regardless of
number of camp enrollments purchased. Remember, all

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Humboldt Crabs 2016 79

GO CRABS!!

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80 Humboldt Crabs 2016

What Are: The Humboldt Crabs?

Baseball Team mentioned here, but below are a couple of director even seemed to have a
on TV Show Jeopardy highlights. whiteboard that listed specific songs
for specific game situations. Due to
BY ERIK FRASER “At high noon, we heard a their presence and enthusiasm, we
jarring emergency siren, but no didn’t hear a minute of canned music
Here on the North Coast, it's no one around seemed to notice. for the entire duration of the game.”
secret that the Crabs experience is We learned that it signals fire
pretty fantastic, but it’s always a bit of and tsunami warnings and has Their conclusion and score:
a thrill when we get some exposure to be tested once a day, always “68.5 on our completely arbitrary
beyond the Redwood Curtain. at noon. At Crabs games, though,
it has unofficial status as the moment scale. It’s slightly inflated due to the
Well on Jeopardy on Tuesday, it’s legal to buy beer. We think all first pitch, but this was a really fun
Feb. 16, a Contestant named Zach cities should have beer alarms.” game regardless. The crowd and
Binney told host Alex Trebek that band really make the experience. The
he and his friends travel the country “The announcer booth was the Don Humboldt area clearly takes a lot of
during the summer in search of Terbush Announcer Booth 1949-1994. pride in this team and it’s infectious
baseball fun, and that in all his travels, 45 years calling games in Arcata is an as all hell. Overall, we give the whole
the very best experience he’s had was achievement any of us would be proud experience a 9.5 out of 10.”
right here in our little ballpark! to have on our resume.”

As it turns out, Binney and two "Examples of (the band's)
friends write a blog called “Scrappy shenanigans included “Ole” for mound
Journeymen With Heart Who Blog meetings, “Na-na-na-na BAT BOY”
the Right Way,” and on Sunday, July for the batboy, Sportscenter theme
6, 2014, the trio visited Humboldt after a great double play, Chicken
and took in a game. They threw out Dance during an intentional walk, Wild
the first pitch(es), had themselves a Thing after two non-intentional walks,
generally good time, and then wrote frequent requests for a Freeway Ball,
about it. You can read the whole thing and numerous others. The band

Humboldt Crabs 2016 81

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82 Humboldt Crabs 2016

Safety and Security

We're happy Welcome Crabs fans to another exciting baseball
to see Noah season, our 72nd year!
going to bat The board of directors would like to remind everyone
for the Crabs again. that the Crabs tradition of providing a safe, family-friendly
environment actually depends on each one of us.
Go Crabs!
We wish for everyone in the ballpark to enjoy the game,
Noah's Family including the many children. It takes all of us to maintain
and Friends. a collective level of respect — respect for the visiting
team, respect for their families, and respect towards our
fellow fans. If there is any inappropriate behavior or bad
sportsmanship, please alert our staff and security team.

Please remember that all attendees at the game are our
guests and a display of good sportsmanship is a positive
reflection upon the Crabs as well as the community.

All carry-in items may be checked for glass, alcoholic
beverages, illegal substances, or weapons. Also, there
is no smoking of any kind allowed at, or near the City of
Arcata run ballpark. No tobacco as well.

The Crabs organization faces a substantial financial
penalty, as well as a suspension of our liquor license, if
alcoholic beverages are brought into the park. We are
asking that guests respect and acknowledge these rules
and refrain from brininging these items into the park.

Please read over our Code of Conduct and Policies.
— John Burke, Crabs Board Member & Ballpark Security

Membership provides:
 No out-of-pocket costs for emergency flights
 Coverage for everyone in your household
 Over 220 participating bases in 32 states
 Hospital to airport transfers by Arcata-Mad
River Ambulance and City Ambulance

All for only $65 per year!

Bmeceommbeera today-

Find out more by Contacting your
Local Membership Sales Manager:

Jennifer Hart • 530-510-2915
[email protected]

“Experience and Dedication You Can Depend On”

Humboldt Crabs 2016 83

Code of Conduct • Humboldt Crabs Baseball reserves unto itself the right
to determine what constitutes unacceptable behavior.
The Humboldt Crabs are committed to creating a safe,
comfortable and enjoyable environment in the ballpark. • Any guests that fail to comply with any of the above
Ballpark staff will proactively intervene to support a family stated policies are subject to ejection from the ballpark and/
entertainment environment where: or arrest.

• Guests will follow the specified policies regarding Alcohol Policy
carry-in items. Guests will allow any acknowledged
representative at the entrance gate to check backpacks, You may bring into the ballpark:
tote bags, purses, or other items brought into the ballpark. • Sealed, non-glass bottled water containers 32 oz or less
• Unopened soft-sided single serving juice or milk
• Guests will enjoy the baseball experience free from
inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to foul containers
language, abusive language, threatening language, or • Empty, reusable-type, non-glass containers
obscene gestures. • Any other beverage not purchased in the ballpark will be

• The progress of the game will not be disrupted by confiscated
guests’ actions or unauthorized persons entering the • Alcohol beverage purchases will be limited to two per
playing field.
purchase
• Any necessary intervention with an impaired or • Alcohol sales will end two innings prior to the scheduled
intoxicated guest will be handled in a prompt and safe
manner. end of the game
• No alcohol will be served to any individual that presents
• Guests will respect the safety of other guests and field
participants; the throwing of any object is strictly prohibited. signs of intoxication
• Persons under the age of thirty will be required to show
• This ballpark is a Tobacco Free Zone. Guests will refrain
from any kind of smoking in the ballpark in accordance with identification in order to purchase alcohol
the Arcata Municipal Code. • Any individual presenting signs of intoxication or

• Guests will refrain from public displays of affection that impairment will be subject to intervention by ballpark staff
are inappropriate in a public setting and family environment. • Removal from the premises of any alcoholic beverage

purchased at the ballpark is strictly prohibited.

84 Humboldt Crabs 2016

Crabbie technology on YouTube

Crabs Corner listen in to longtime broadcasters Benjamin “the Professor”
The Crabs are featured every Sunday on KIEM Shaeffer and Hoke Holcomb live.
News Channel 3 during the summer months. The
special sports segment is called Crabs Corner. Find KGOE online at: www.kgoe.com
If fans have a high-speed internet connection, WiFi or a
Crabs Corner spends a few minutes every Sunday smart phone, you can also watch and hear the broadcast
looking back at "the week that was" in Crabs land, featuring on YouTube Stream. Visit the Crabs website for more
interviews, game highlights, and trivia. Fans can win Crabs information. Or find our Humboldt Crabs channel on
tickets by correctly answering the week’s trivia question. YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/HumboldtCrabs

Crabs Corner airs every Sunday during KIEM News Crabs Videos
Channel 3's 6:30 and 11 p.m. broadcasts. The Humboldt Crabs have their own channel
on YouTube. Check out all our videos at
The Crabs Online youtube.com/user/HumboldtCrabs

Where fans and player's Find out why the Humboldt Crabs are the longest
continuously run baseball team in the country. Experience
parents can listen to the baseball as is should be. Watch our 6:59 minute video,
Crabs games produced by Lynette Nutter (Owner of A Nutter Production)
for a glimpse into Crabs baseball. Direct links to her videos:
The Crabs games are broadcast locally on KGOE 1480 vimeo.com/3990393 or vimeo.com/73980992
AM. This year, KGOE’s parent company Bicoastal Media
agreed to stream our Crabs games. With their help, we Or visit the Crabs website and under the menu tab:
hope all our fans from across the country will be able to http://humboldtcrabs.com/crabs-videos, you'll find all kinds
of fun videos to watch.

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Humboldt Crabs 2016 85

86 Humboldt Crabs 2016

Crabs fans say goodbye

David Paul Grinsell (1948-2016)

Crabs supporter, David Grinsell has left the stadium.

In the early 1960s Grinsell was a ball shagger for Crabs founder Lou

Bonimini at Albee Stadium in Eureka. A lifelong fan and season ticket

holder he was always at games talking Crabs Baseball.

David was a lifelong friend of Hall Of Fame Crabs player Greg

Shanahan and knew all the local coaches and players. He will be missed.

David Grinsell was born in the old St. Joe Hospital on October 23, 1948

and died February 18, 2016 in the new St. Joe at the age of 67. David

served his country as an infantryman in Vietnam 1967 and 68, with the 4th

Infantry Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star with a "V" for valor.

He was a huge and loud supporter of the HSU athletic programs later

in life. David owned and operated The Liquor Still on Giuntoli Lane for 37

years. It was and still is a meeting and greeting place, where many stopped

to buy a 6-pack and shoot the breeze. Go Jacks! Go Crabs Go!

David enjoyed most of his time at The Still drinking coffee, reading the Grinsell with his daughter Chantique at a
newspaper, and philosophizing with his buddies. 2014 Crabs game.

He fought bravely against metastatic prostate cancer for over 10 years

before succumbing. His sense of humor and wit stuck with him until the end.

David is survived by Yusie, his wife of 27 years, along with his children Chantique and Andrew,

his brother Dennis Grinsell (Mary Gay) and sister Diane Grinsell (Dennis Hardle).

GO HUMBOLDT CRABS GO!

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THANK YOU ADVERTISERS, SPONSORS, & PARTNERS!!!

3 G’s Hay 62 EG Ayers Distributing 62 KT Printing 60 Redwood Animal Hospital 88 PAGE AD INDEX
Englund Marine 74
Aalfs Evans & Co., LLP 38 Eureka Floor Carpet One 19 Leon’s Car Center 88 Redwood Capital Bank 47
Eureka Ready Mix 60
Alchemy Construction 27 Eureka Rubber Stamp 82 Los Bagels 78 Redwood Curtain Brewing Co 41
Finnish Country Sauna 72
Alibi 35 George Peterson Insurance 3 Liquor Still 64 Restif Cleaning 53
Growing Smiles Dentistry 77
Almquist Lumber 63 Harper Motors 23 Lurtz Family- Noah 82 Royal Gold 85
Hensell Materials 74
Arcata Community Pool 37 Hilfiker Company 86 Mad River Brewing Co 33 Roy Corsetti CPA 39
Humboldt Auidology 60
Arcata Counseling Services 37 Humboldt Creamery 4 Mercer Fraser 46 Schmidbauer Building 29
Humboldt Crossfit 65
Arcata Scoop 70 Humboldt County Fair 83 Mr. Fish Seafood 69 Sequoia Gas 88
Humboldt Harmonaires 65
Atlas Engineering 63 Humboldt Highlanders 71 Myrtletown Body Shop 65 State Farm, Mary Wallaker 4
Hunter, Hunter & Hunt 71
Big Blue Café 22 H.T. Harvey & Associates 58 NorCal Auto Body 73 St. Josephs Hospital 73
Jackson & Ecklund 19
BT Metals 70 Jacoby Storehouse 75 Nor Calif Safety Consortium 50 TBK Construction 82
Jitter Bean Coffee Co. 73
Café Nooner 86 Judy Davis Insurance 61 North Coast Audiology 79 Terault Tire Pros 61
Kalos Salon 67
California Credit Union 81 KBAE 95.5 FM 63 North Coast Co-Op 21 Thrifty Supply Co. 61
KGOE 1480 AM 67
Cal-Ore Life Flight 82 KHSU 90.5 FM 37 North Coast News 13 Tomas Jewelry 80

Carbonneau Ceramic 72 Pauli-Harbor/Anderson 25 Town & Country Mobile 64

Central Dental Care 75 Pacific Builders 49 Tri Counties Bank 5

Cher-ae Heights Casino 59 Pacific Seafood 80 Trinity Diesel Inc. 68

Coast Central Credit Union 2 Patty Stocum/ReMax 22 True Motion Fitness 84

Coast Seafoods Co. 72 Pepsi Co 17 Ultimate Yogurt 62

Coffee Break 37 Picky Picky Picky 31 UPS Store 62

Coldwell Banker/Bergen 87 Piersons Building Center 20 Varsity Ice Cream 56

Community Realty/McCann 78 Plaza 68 Wallance & Hinz 61

Cruz Plumbing Inc. 49 Plaza Professionals 74 WBCO Electric 57

Dannewitz Insurance 40 Primal Decor 7 Western Chain Saw 38

Del Reka Distributing 9 Quality Body Works 83 Wildberries Marketplace 11

Ed Cook Construction 73 Ray’s Food Place 71 Zerlang & Zerlang 41

Edward Jones/Goodwin 70 Red Lion Hotel 84

I’ll run all the bases for you!

Thanks for Go Crabs Go!
all the fun
Crabbies!

WISHING THE BEST
TO OUR BOYS OF

SUMMER!
Go Crabs Go!