2015 Humboldt Crabs Program

HUMBOLDT CRABS
BASEBALL 2015

$2.00

PROGRAM

1945-2015

humboldtcrabs.com

2 Humboldt Crabs 2015

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Humboldt Crabs Baseball,
Our Labor of Love!

President’s Message n the past 70 seasons, Crabs President
over 1,300 players Vikki Rossi with her
CrGao bs! IVikki have been able to call parents at the yard.
Go Rossi themselves a Crab. There
are a lot of names on that Friday night pitcher last year, ending the season with a
list, some who made it record of 8-0 and an ERA of 1.36.) I cannot wait to see this
to “the show” and some crew in action.
who did not. What matters
is they all made it to the As the Crabs organization continues to grow and flour-
ish, it is our job to make sure they have a ballpark to match.
Arcata Ball Park for “our This year, we are establishing the Ballpark Improvement
Projects Fund. The board of directors will work with the City
show.” of Arcata to establish a master plan outlining future proj-
ects including, but not limited to, replacing the bleachers.
I have had the pleasure of talking with many Crabs We have also partnered with Alchemy Distillery to install a
new water bottle filling station to keep our Crabs fans good
alumni, and those fortunate enough to have made it to the
and hydrated. These projects would not be
MLB often state that their memories of playing in Arcata possible without the continued generosity
and support of this community, and for that I
are the ones they reflect on most. The spirit of the Crabs thank all of you! Passion is what keeps Crabs
baseball going. It’s what we need, what we
community, evident in the full bleachers each game and crave, and keeps us coming back for more.

the generous contributions made by sponsors each year, Baseball is shared and understood by
all generations. The ballpark is a community
demonstrates a passion and enthusiasm for the game that meeting place, a family friendly destination on
a Friday night, the glue for many
is rare, and not easily forgotten. “seasonal” friendships and a star in
Arcata’s crown to locals and visitors alike.
It is truly mind-boggling the level of community effort that
So, from the moment the front gate opens
is required to put together a Crabs baseball season. Each to the last entry marked in the 2015 scorebook, join me in
embracing the passion that fuels the Crabs team through
new season starts as soon as the previ- our 71st season.

ous one ends. The recruiting team of Robin — Go Crabs Go!

Guiver, Eric Giacone and Tyson Fisher im-

mediately start searching out talent for the

new year, while the board of directors and

volunteers go to work behind the scenes,

solidifying all the details that will ensure a

smooth season.

I cannot say enough about how

remarkable this team of volunteers is,

dedicating their time, talents and hearts to

our organization to ensure there is Crabs

baseball to enjoy year after year. 2015

promises to be another unforgettable season. In

addition to welcoming Manager Tyson Fisher and Assistant

Coaches Eric Giacone and Andrew Ayers back for their

second year, Assistant Coach Andrew Nelson will be joining

the 2015 coaching staff (you may remember him as your

Be a part of a Humboldt Crabs game!
Crabs website at humboldtcrabs.
Fans can sign up to sing the left field birthday party area or com/fan-info.
national anthem, throw out the first purchase group tickets for your
pitch, be a bat boy or bat girl, party or Little League team at Note: Picnic reservations fill up
participate in on the field games a discounted rate. fast. Picnic reservation prices start
in between innings (3rd and 5th), at $300 for weekends and $150 for
purchase the right field picnic area Contact Crabs Special Events at weekdays (included with your reser-
for a group barbecue, purchase the [email protected] vation is a group ticket package).
for more information or visit the

Humboldt Crabs 2015 5

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California California The City of Arcata team up with the Humboldt Crabs organization before
Storm Storm the start of every season to host a dinner and silent auction. The funds
raised from the dinner are deposited into the ballpark improvement
Auburn Wildcats projects fund. The fund was set up to in order to upgrade the ballpark
with improvements each year.

Dine with the Team

Annual Preseason Dinner

Every year before the season starts, the Humboldt Crabs
Baseball organization and the City of Arcata produce the
season opening dinner at the Arcata Community Center
the Friday night prior to the first game.

At the dinner, Crab fans receive a free official Crabs
program, a catered meal featuring local microbrews from
Mad River Brewing Co., and Redwood Curtain Brewing
Co., and also get to meet the team and coaches.

Proceeds from the opening dinner fund improvements
at the Arcata Ballpark such as a batting cage, back
stops, nets, etc.

The Humboldt Crabs rent the ballpark from the
City of Arcata. In addition, American Legion baseball,
Little League, high school teams and other summer
baseball teams also rent the ballpark — so your generosity
goes a long way to help improve the city-run ballpark.

During the event, Crabs sponsors and local
businesses generously donate gift baskets, gift certificates
and other donated items for the silent auction. Any unused
items are given away to Crabs fans at the games
with a shout out from our P.A. and radio booth.

To donate a gift certificate, basket or specialty item to the Crabs,
please visit the Crabs website page: www.humboldtcrabs.com/
preseason-dinner. A downloadable form is at the bottom of the
page or contact the Crabs directly at (707) 826-2333 or email
[email protected]. You can mail in gift certificates or
donations to P.O. BOX 4422 Arcata, CA 95518.

2015 © Humboldt Crabs Annual Program: Cover photo: Erik Fraser;
program designed by Terrence McNally; printed by Times Printing;
program produced by Tracy McCormack, assistance by Ellen Barthman,
Carl Pellatz, Kelly Kime and the Humboldt Crabs Board of Directors.

Humboldt Crabs 2015 7

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Back for More! pressure on some teams from a
Manager Tyson Fisher off to a slow start in June and then speed standpoint.”
played well in July.”
hopes to build on debut Fisher also pointed to the bullpen
That lone returner was one of the as a potential strength once again.
season in 2015 Crabs’ hottest second-half hitters.
Six of the top eight ERAs on last
By Danny Penza Outfielder Beau Bozett (Gon- season’s roster came from arms out
Times-Standard, April 25, 2015 zaga University), who appeared in 38 of the bullpen, with the Crabs finish-
www.times-standard.com games (34 starts), will be back for his ing last season a perfect 31-0 record
second straight summer in Arcata. He when they led after six innings.
EUREKA — Adjusting to fatherhood finished the year tied for third on the
hasn’t been the only offseason task team with a .311 batting average while “I think there’s two or three guys that
for Humboldt Crabs manager Tyson hitting eight doubles, driving in 17 runs can really shorten the game for us. We
Fisher. and stealing a team-high 21 bases. get to the sixth with a lead, I really like our
chances to win that game,” Fisher said.
On top of trying to catch up on “Beau’s a great kid,” Fisher said.
sleep and everything that comes with “From a leadership standpoint and At times last season, Fisher almost
a 7-month-old daughter, Fisher and his him being the only returner, he’ll be a had too many players to choose from
coaching staff have almost completed good shoulder to lean on to show how as he tried to move in and out of the
the construction of the 2015 Crabs things go and how things operate.” lineup. Entering the 2015 season,
squad, which will open up its 71st however, the number of players on the
season of baseball on Saturday, Fisher admitted that there may not Crabs roster stands at an MLB-like 25,
May 30, against the Fairfield Indians. be as much power in the lineup from which will mean easier decisions when
top to bottom compared a year ago. it comes to playing time.
While it’s the norm to have the vast But, as is the case with Bozett’s skill
majority of the roster different than the set, Fisher hopes to put the team’s “From a managerial standpoint,
year prior, only one player from the athleticism and speed to good use what it allows me to do is keep guys
2014 Crabs that went 34-15 in Fisher’s both offensively and defensively. getting at-bats and get them in a
opening season will be back in Arcata rhythm,” Fisher said. “That rotation is
five weeks from now. That’s simply because at times last going to become an advantage for us
season, Humboldt was its own worst that allows guys to still see the ball
“There’s a lot of fresh faces. I’m enemy. well at the plate. Guys can get on the
pretty happy with who we have coming mound and be more comfortable and it
in right now,” Fisher said. “There’s a lot The Crabs left an average of eight just relaxes everybody.”
of guys who have a lot innings on the runners on base a game, while also
mound, a lot of guys getting at-bats in committing 70 errors in the field. There will be just one change on
the spring — which is always a benefit the four-man coaching staff come this
for us because there’s always that fac- “When we put the roster together, summer. Both Eric Giacone (pitch-
tor of game speed. we looked at where we faltered and ing coach) and Andrew Ayers (infield
where we could have won a few more coach) are back in the fold, with the
“I think that’s going to be a big ad- ballgames,” Fisher said. “We’re not latter sliding across the diamond to
vantage for us early on in the season going to leave as many runners on become Humboldt’s new third base
as opposed to last year where we got base, we’re really, really athletic and I coach. The newcomer will be last
think we’re going to be able to steal a season’s No. 1 starter, Arcata native
lot of bases and just put some Andrew Nelson, who will coach first
base and work with the outfielders.

Gonzaga's Beau Bozett returns for a
second season with the Crabs.

Humboldt Crabs 2015 9

1270 Giuntoli Lane Arcata, CA 95521
www.northernredwoodfcu.org

707-822-5902 OR 800-822-5902

10 Humboldt Crabs 2015

TICKET Shop Crabs!
OUTLETS
You can find a limited amount of
WILDBERRIES MARKETPLACE Humboldt Crabs gear at:
ARCATA, 747 13th Street
(707) 822-0095 n Arcata Chamber office at 1635 Heindon Road,
Arcata CA 95521. Phone (707) 822-3619 or email
ARCATA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE [email protected]. Note: They take all
CALIFORNIA WELCOME CENTER credit cards including American Express.
ARCATA, 1635 Heindon Road
(707) 822-3619 n The Eureka Chamber of Commerce office at
2112 Broadway, Eureka, CA 95501. Phone
EUREKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (707) 442-3738 or email linda@eurekachamber.
EUREKA, 2112 Broadway com. They will ship to you!
(707) 442-3738
MR. FISH SEAFOOD Some examples of the Crabs gear from the 2014
EUREKA, 2740 Broadway season (hats, hooded sweatshirts, t-shirts) are pictured
(707) 443-2661 in the Crabs Facebook page’s photo albums.
SPORT & CYCLE
EUREKA, 1621 Broadway Note: The Crabs outlets do not carry every size once
(707) 444-9274 the season ends. For the best array of items, please
visit our souvenir stand at the Arcata Ballpark from
FORTUNA, 475 N. Fortuna Blvd May to August. Stock up while you can!
(707) 725-9405
COMING SOON!
RAY’S FOOD PLACE A CRABS ONLINE STORE
Customer Service Counters in:
FORTUNA, 2009 Main Street

(707) 725-3835
McKINLEYVILLE, 1500 Anna Sparks Way

(707) 839-4413
ARCATA, 5000 Valley West Blvd.

(707) 822-0188

JAMBALAYA (707) 822-4766
SOLO SPORTS (707) 826-9698

Purchase tickets online:
humboldtcrabs.com/buy-tickets-online

Tickets prices:
Adults $9.00

Seniors and Students $6.00
Children 12 and under $4.00

Season passes: $100.00
Ten-Ticket strips:
Adults $65.00
Children $30.00

Wallace & Hinz sponsors 5th inning homerun/grand slam

NEW THIS SUMMER! • Any funds received will be donated
Listen to the Crabs P.A. during the 5th inning for the to the District 26 Del Norte and Hum-
Wallace & Hunz homerun or grand slam contest. boldt County Little League’s travel fund
• If a Crab hits a homerun during the 5th inning, W&H (for playoffs).
will donate $50.00 to the Crabs to go toward the District
26 Del Norte and Humboldt County Little League. District 26 Little League consists of team in Arcata, Blue
• If a Crab hits a grand slam during the 5th inning, W&H Lake-Fieldbrook, Del Norte (Crescent City), Eel River,
will donate $500.00 to the Crabs to go toward the District Eureka, Klamath-Trinity (Hoopa), Mckinleyville, Redwood
26 Del Norte and Humboldt County Little League Empire (Eureka), Southern Humboldt (Garberville).

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Tyson Fisher Eric Giacone Andrew Ayers Andrew Nelson
Manager Asst. Coach Asst. Coach Asst. Coach

Tyson Fisher is entering Eric Giacone is Former St. Bernard’s Andrew Neslon is
his second season as Crabs entering his second season standout Andrew Ayers will entering his first season as
Manager, following a 34-15 as Pitching Coach for the rejoin the Crabs coaching an assistant coach for the
record in his first season Crabs. In 2014, Giacone staff for the 2015 season. Crabs.
at the helm. Fisher played guided the Crabs pitching
for the Crabs in 2006 and staff to posting a 2.26 During his prep days at Nelson played
served as an assistant ERA and recording 370 St. Bernard’s High School, collegiately at Santa Rosa
coach in 2010 and 2011. strikeouts. Giacone played Ayers — a phenomenal Junior College for legendary
Fisher played collegiately collegiately at College of football, basketball and coach Damon Neidlinger,
for Reggie Christiansen the Redwoods as a pitcher baseball player — was before transferring and
(now Sacramento State and outfielder, before the Humboldt-Del Norte finishing his playing career
head coach) at South transferring to play at League MVP as a junior at St. Catherine College
Dakota State University, Chico State University as and co-MVP as a senior, (KY). He will be graduating
then returned to Humboldt a pitcher. Giacone played and helped the Crusaders with a degree in Psychology
County, where he began his for the Crabs in 2004 and capture three straight North with a minor in Music.
coaching career at Fortuna 2005, posting a 6-3 record Coast Section titles.
High School. Fisher was the during the two summers Arcata High School
head coach for the Huskies on the mound. In 2009 During the summer of grad, Nelson pitched for the
from 2011-2014, guiding the Eric was named head 2010, he was named the Crabs in 2012 and 2014.
team to North Coast Section baseball coach at Eureka Crabs’ Offensive Player of Andrew finished the 2014
playoff appearances in 2013 High School, guiding the the Year after hitting .351 season going 9-0. His nine
and 2014. Loggers to a 17-11 record with a sublime .476 on- wins in a season were the
in the 2014 Season. base percentage including most recorded by a pitcher
A Fortuna native, Fisher 46 hits, 28 walks and just since 2011.
and his wife Kacy have a When he’s not on the 11 strikeouts in 164 plate
daughter named Brynn. baseball diamond, he’s appearances. In his two years with the
probably out at the Samoa Crabs, Nelson didn’t suffer
Drag Strip racing his 1966 A two-time all-WAC a loss, going a perfect 12-0.
Ford Ranchero. selection, Ayers started at Nelson received the Crabs
second base, shortstop and Pitcher of the Year award in
2015 in the outfield during his time 2014.
Crabs Coaches at Sac State (2009-2013).
He left the program as the He went 9-0, and the
career leader in at-bats only time he didn’t earn the
(782), is second in career ‘W’, the team still did, going
hits (228), tied for second a perfect 10-0 in his starts.
in career runs (128), third
in career doubles (46) and He sported a 1.36 ERA
fourth in career RBIs (123). over 66 innings, averaging
just less than a strikeout an
In 2013, the Kansas City inning and surrounding only
Royals drafted Sac State 14 walks all summer.
senior Ayers as a second
baseman — the first one
they selected — in the 30th
round.

Humboldt Crabs 2015 13

14 Humboldt Crabs 2015

Your 2015 Humboldt Crabs

autograph played in 45 games and started Four-year letter winner at Tualatin High School in Torrance,
in 33, made 30 starts in left field, High School where he hit .433 and Burschinger earned four varsity
#___ Tyler Bennett two as the DH and one in right drove in 30 runs with 10 doubles, autographletters, two-time First Team All-Del
field, had a .191 batting average three triples, one home run and 17 autograph Ray League selection, Second
Position: Right-Handed Pitcher with two doubles and 11 RBI, hit stolen bases as a senior. Brunner Team All-CIF in 2011, twice named
B/T: R/R 22-for-115, went 3-for-3 on stolen was named All-State as a senior the Mustangs’ team MVP, and
Height: 6’1 bases, and had a .271 on base and played in the North/South received school’s Athlete of the
Weight: 195 percentage. As a freshman, All-Star game. Brunner was named Year as a senior.
Class: Jr. Bozett appeared in 21 games All-League Honorable Mention in
Hometown: Grants Pass, OR in which he came into the game 2012; he competed for the Royals #___ Dan Deeley
High School: Grants Pass as a pinch runner in 13 of those team at the 2013 Area Code
Previous School: Corban appearances. Baseball Games, and was named Position: Infielder
University/Western Nevada HIGH SCHOOL: As a graduate of as the seventh-best prospect in B/T: R/R
Current School: Western Oregon Ferris High School in Spokane, the state of Oregon by Baseball Height: 6’1
University Bozett earned three varsity letters Northwest. Brunner also lettered Weight: 190
PRIOR TO WOU: Previously as a shortstop in baseball, two as one year as a wide receiver and Class: Freshman
played baseball at Western a slot defensive back in football. defensive back in football and one Hometown: Sonoma, CA
Nevada and Corban University. In baseball, Bozett hit .364 as year in basketball. High School: Sonoma Valley HS
HIGH SCHOOL: As a 2012 a sophomore, .420 as a junior Current School: Sacramento State
graduate of Grants Pass High and .450 as a senior. Bozett #___ Andy Burschinger CSUS: Deeley joins Sacramento
School, Bennett lettered four years was named first team All-Greater State as a freshman in 2015 where
in baseball and received first team Spokane League as both a junior Position: Right-Handed Pitcher he played in 25 games and posted
all-state utility honors as a junior and a senior, received honorable B/T: R/R a .243 average, 1 home run and 11
and senior. He also lettered two mention as a sophomore, helped Height: 6’2 RBI.
years in football and three years in guide Ferris to GSL championship Weight: 205 HIGH SCHOOL: In high school,
basketball where he received first- as a senior and Academic State Class: Junior Deeley played four years at
team all-state defense honors. Championship. Bozett helped Hometown: Redondo Beach Sonoma Valley HS where he was
Ferris win State 4A title in football Previous School: El Comino CC a two-time First Team All-Sonoma
as a senior and was a runner-up Current School: Chico State County League shortstop and
in State 4A title in football in junior University named All-Empire in 2012-13.
campaign. CHICO: Transferred to Chico Deeley was the starting shortstop
State University from El Camino for the 2011 team that won
autograph College. the Sonoma County League
autograph EL COMINO CC: Played two championship with a 23-6 overall
seasons with the Warriors record.
#___ Beau Bozett #___ Cooper Brunner and posted a 7-2 record in 12
appearances last season, starting continued
Position: Outfielder Position: Outfielder 11. Crafted 2.31 ERA and struck
B/T: R/R B/T: L/L out 49 in 66.1 innings of work to
Height: 6’0 Height: 6’0 earn First Team All-South Coast
Weight: 185 Weight: 195 Conference honors. Made 11
Class: Junior Class: Freshman relief appearances as a freshman
Hometown: Spokane, WA Hometown: Tualatin, OR in 2013.
High School: Ferris High School: Tualatin HIGH SCHOOL: As a 2012
Current School: Gonzaga Current School: Oregon State graduate of Bishop Montgomery
University OSU: Brunner joins Oregon State
GU: As a sophomore, Bozett as a freshman in 2015.
HIGH SCHOOL: Brunner was a

Humboldt Crabs 2015 15

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16 Humboldt Crabs 2015

Your 2015 Humboldt Crabs

autographHometown: Visalia, CA
autographHigh School: El Diamante HS
Current School: College of the
autographSequioas
autograph COS: Edmonson played in 34
#___ Ryan Dobson games where he posted a .308 #____ Tyler Keil #___ Jesse Medrano
autographaverage, 1 home run, 26 runs, and
Position: Short Stop / Second autograph20 RBI. Position: OF / Infield Position: Short Stop / Second
Base B/T: R/R Base
B/T: R/R #___ Lucas Halstead Height: 5’10 B/T: R/R
Height: 5’11 Weight: 170 Height: 5’10
Weight: 150 Position: Catcher Class: Freshman Weight: 192
Class: Sophomore B/T: R/R Hometown: Arcata, CA Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Culver City, CA Height: 6’3 High School: Arcata HS Hometown: Concord, CA
High School: Junipero Serra HS Weight: 335 Current School: CR High School: Clayton Valley
Current School: Fresno State Class: Freshman CR: Keil played in 33 games for Charter HS
FRESNO STATE: As a freshman, Hometown: Alamo, CA the Corsair where he posted a Current School: Fresno State
Dobson started in 36 games and High School: Monte Vista .283 average, 2 home runs, 9 FRESNO STATE: As a freshman,
appeared in 43 of the 57-game Current School: University of stolen bases, and 16 RBI. Medrano started in 24 games
season as a true freshman. Pacific and made 37 appearances in the
Dobson tied for second on the PACIFIC: As a freshman, Halstead #____ Dillon Kelley 57-game season. Medrano had
team and tied for sixth in the appeared in 10 games where we a .220 season batting average,
Mountain West for the most posted a .296 average, 1 home Position: Catcher tallied 18 hits, three doubles,
successful sacrifice bunts (8) and run and 3 RBI. B/T: R/R six RBI and eight runs scored.
set a team single-game season- HIGH SCHOOL: A 2014 graduate Height: 6’1 Medrano posted a .966 fielding
high with 10 fielding assists of Monte Vista High School in Weight: 195 percentage and was named
against Cal State Fullerton, the Danville, Calif., Halstead was a Class: Sophomre the Mountain West Preseason
10 assists tied the Mountain West three-time letter winner for the Hometown: Visalia, CA Freshman of the Year by Baseball
individual season game-high for Mustangs in baseball. Entering High School: Mt. Whitney HS America and was named
the year. his senior season, Halstead was Current School: College of Academic All-MW.
HIGH SCHOOL: Dobson was named a Perfect Game USA Sequioas HIGH SCHOOL: Medrano was
a three-year letter winner at St. Preseason HS Underclassmen COS: Kelley played in 46 games a four-year letter winner playing
Bernard before finishing his high All-American Honorable Mention. where he posted a .358 average, the infield for Clayton Valley
school career at Serra. He lived up to the billing as he 2 home runs, and 42 RBI. Charter High School in Concord,
posted a .383 average to go along California. Medrano was named
#___ Blake Edmonson with five home runs and 21 RBI. Diablo Valley Athletic League MVP
For his play, Halstead was named senior year, garnered back-to-
Position: Right-Handed Pitcher team MVP while earning First back best defensive player awards
/ OF Team All-Bay Area. As a junior, from the Bay Area World Series
B/T: R/R Halstead hit .250 with five doubles (2011) and Reebok Norcal World
Height: 6’0 and one home run while catching Series (2012), and was named by
Weight: 190 21 contests. Prospect Wire an Underclass All-
Class: Sophomore American. Medrano was named
Student of the Year, received P.E.
Award and Eagle Award, and was
awarded the Hot Stove Dinner
Scholarship.

continued

Humboldt Crabs 2015 17

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18 Humboldt Crabs 2015

Your 2015 Humboldt Crabs

autographCurrent School: UC Davis18.1 IP, 1.53 ERA, 17 strikeouts,
autographUC DAVIS: During the 2014.225 opponent BA, and .667
season, Mullins appeared in 13 fielding percentage.
autograph games overall as a true freshman,
making his first career start in #____ Ben Peterson
#___Jeremiah Moore autographat Stanford on April 8. Mullins #____ Brad Pluschkell
autograph finished 1-0 with a 2.97 ERA, Position: OF
Position: Right-Handed Pitcher striking out 26 against only nine B/T: R/R Position: Second Base / Short
B/T: R/R walks in 33.1 innings of work and Height: 6’2 Stop
Height: 6’3 held opponents to a .205 batting Weight: 200 B/T: R/R
Weight: 225 average. Mullins earned his first Class: Sophomore Height: 5’11
Class: Freshman career win in relief against Hawai’i, Hometown: Lino Lakes, Minn. Weight: 180
Hometown: Sheridan, CA allowing a run on a single hit in 1.2 High School: Totino-Grace HS Class: Freshman
High School: Valley Christian innings of a 5-2 UC Davis victory. Current School: North Dakota Hometown: Pleasanton, CA
Academy HIGH SCHOOL: As a 2012 State High School: Amador Valley HS
Current School: Sacramento graduate from Vintage High NDSU: As a freshman, Peterson Current School: UC Davis
State School, Mullins was a four-year saw action in 30 games with 15 UC DAVIS: Pluschkell joins UC
CSUS: As a freshman at letter winner, finished 5-4 with starts in the outfield, batted .194 Davis as a freshman in 2015.
Sacramento State, Moore a 2.47 ERA in eight starts (15 with 13 hits in 67 at bats, tallied HIGH SCHOOL: Pluschkell was
appeared in 6 games, 7.0 IP, 2.57 appearances overall) as a senior, seven RBIs with a double, went a three-year letter winner for the
ERA, and 10 strikeouts. striking out a prep career-high a season-best 2-for-3 with a RBI Dons of Amador Valley. Pluschkell
HIGH SCHOOL: Played four 71 batters against only 10 walks, and double against Western earned honorable mention All-East
years of baseball at Valley posted a prep career-low 1.72 Illinois. Peterson was named to Bay Athletic League honors as a
Christian Academy where he was ERA in 15 appearances as a The Summit League Winter/Spring sophomore and senior, hit a prep-
a four-year All-Sac Metro Athletic junior, and finishing 5-3 with 43 Academic Honor Roll. best .315 as a senior, scoring 23
league first team selection. Over strikeouts while holding opponents HIGH SCHOOL: As a 2013 times and posting a .462 on-base
the four-years, Moore totaled a to a .223 average and a .287 graduate from Totino-Grace High percentage. Pluschkell finished
22-9 record with a 1.92 ERA and on-base percentage. Mullins was School, Peterson was a two-year with 24 hits and batted .321 as a
recorded 325 strikeouts over 200 an All-Napa County Honorable letter winner and starter, and junior over 28 games, smacking
innings pitched. Moore won the Mention selection as a junior. was named All-Conference and six doubles and driving in nine
championship game of the SAC All-State Player. Peterson batted runs. Pluschkell helped the Dons
Metro Athletic League San- #____ Scott Parker .323, hit three home runs, and to a CIF North Coast Section
Joaquin Section all four years. competed in Minnesota Lions All- Division I title as a junior and was
Position: Left-Handed Pitcher Star Game as a senior. Peterson a four-time scholar-athlete award
#____ Justin Mullins B/T: was named a top prospect at the winner.
Height: 5’9 Under Armour-Baseball Factory
Position: Right-Handed Pitcher Weight: 170 Showcase in 2012 and played continued
B/T: R/R Class: Freshman on the Centennial Post 566
Height: 6’4 Hometown: Dana Point, CA American Legion Team. Peterson
Weight: 190 High School: Dana Hills HS also played running back and
Class: Sophomore Current School: University of linebacker on state champion
Hometown: Napa, CA San Francisco football team as a senior.
High School: Vintage HS USF: Parker joins University of
San Francisco as a freshman in
2015.
HIGH SCHOOL: Parker recorded

Humboldt Crabs 2015 19

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

Federal & Multi-State Tax Preparation
Financial Statements
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Go Crabs Go!

134 D Street, Suite 201 • Eureka, CA 95501

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20 Humboldt Crabs 2015

Your 2015 Humboldt Crabs

autograph4.00 ERA, and 3 strikeouts.
autographHIGH SCHOOL: Played four
years at Oakridge HS where
autographhe was named All-Delta River
League and made the All-City and
#___ Donald Robinson autographAll-Capital Teams in both 2012#___ Bobby Schuman# ___ Allen Smoot
and 2014. Root helped team
Position: Right-Handed Pitcher autographwin the 2013 Delta River LeaguePosition: Left Field / Right Field Position: Third Base / First Base
B/T: R/R autographChampionship. As a senior, RootB/T: L/R B/T: L/R
Height: 6’1 went 6-2 with a 0.97 ERA and Height: 6’3 Height: 6’0
Weight: 190 five complete games, striking Weight: 210 Weight: 178
Class: Sophomore out 48 and walking just seven in Class: RS-Sophomore Class: Junior
Hometown: Stockton, CA 64.2 innings pitched. For his high Hometown: La Jolla, CA Hometown: Moraga, CA
High School: Lincoln HS school career, Root went 19-7 High School: La Jolla HS High School: De La Salle HS
Current School: College of the with a 1.56 ERA, six shutouts, Previous School: LSU-Eunice Previous College of San Mateo
Redwoods 143 strikeouts, and 26 walks with Current School: Northridge Current School: USF
CR: Robinson was named First- a .235 opposing batting average. CSUN: Schuman joins the CSUN USF: Smoot joins after playing two
Team All-GVC selection as a Root played three years with Matadors as a redshirt sophomore seasons at College of San Mateo.
utility player. Robinson led the Sacramento Stingers club team. transfer in 2015. CSM: Smoot hit .313 with 14 RBI
Corsairs both at the plate and on LSU-EUNICE: Schuman played in 99 at bats and carried a .357
the mound, producing a team- # ___ Conner Ridley one season as an outfielder at on-base percentage.
leading batting average of .372 LSU-Eunice, where the Bengals HIGH SCHOOL: Smoot played
and a team-low ERA of 1.93. At Position: Right-Handed Pitcher went 42-16 in 2013. at De La Salle High School
the plate, Robinson struck out B/T: R/R LA SALLE: Schuman played the and hit .463 his senior season.
just seven times in 133 plate Height: 6’4 2012 season as an outfieldera Smoot was named to the East
appearances and led the team Weight: 175 before transferring to LSU-Eunice. Bay Athletic League First Team
with an on-base percentage of Class: Freshman He had a .219 batting average and won North Coast Section
.414. On the mound, Robinson Hometown: San Jose, CA and was named the team’s Fall Championship in 2012 with a 20-8
had a team high 60.2 IP, 12 ERA, High School: Bellarmine Prep World Series MVP. record.
52 strikeouts, and 19 walks. Current School: Oregon State HIGH SCHOOL: As a La Jolla
OSU: Ridley joins Oregon Sate as High School graduate, Schuman #____ Nick Spini
#___ Austin Root a freshman in 2015. was a quarterback for the football
HIGH SCHOOL: At Bellarmine, team in addition to playing Position: Catcher / UTIL
Position: Right-Handed Pitcher Ridley lettered three years, was outfielder and pitcher for the B/T: L/R
B/T: R/R named second-team all-league baseball team. On the diamond, Height: 6’0
Height: 6’2 as a senior, and CCS honorable he was named to the All-Western Weight: 195
Weight: 195 mention. As a pitcher, Ridley went League First Team and earned the Class: Senior
Class: Freshman 8-2 as a senior, tallying a 1.64 team’s MVP award as a senior. Hometown: Fairfield, CA
Hometown: El Dorado Hills, CA earned run average in 64 innings, He graduated third on the all-time High School: Armijo HS
High School: Oakridge HS struck out 67. As a junior, was 1-0 passing. Previous: Solano Community
Current School: Sac State with a 0.00 ERA in five games. Current School: East Central U.
CSUS: As a freshman at
Sacramento State, Root appeared continued
in 6 games with 1 start, 9.0 IP,

Humboldt Crabs 2015 21

Humboldt Crabs. Aflac.
What a team.

Aflac is proud to support the Humboldt Crabs baseball program.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AFLAC, CONTACT:
Mary Bancud-Bettis, CA License No. 0K06627

707-273-5242 | [email protected]

Individual coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. Group coverage is underwritten by Continental American Insurance
Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aflac Incorporated. For groups sitused in California, coverage underwritten by Continental American Life Insurance Company.

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22 Humboldt Crabs 2015

Your 2015 Humboldt Crabs

ECU: In 2014, Spini was named as a sophomore. He had a .292 autograph High School: San Marcos HS
to the All-GAC Second Team. He batting average and .487 slugging Current School: Northridge
started in all 49 games for the percentage as a sophomore, #____ Andrew Weston CSUN: Weston joins the CSUN
Tigers, recorded 32 runs and 55 spent three seasons on the Armijo Matadors as a freshman in 2015.
hits with 29 RBIs, averaged .977 High School varsity team, helped Position: Right-Handed Pitcher HIGH SCHOOL: Played four
in fielding percentage, was second team to a first-place finish in the B/T: R/R years for the Knights of San
on the team with a .313 batting Monticello Empire League in 2011, Height: 6’2 Marcos His team won the 2013
average, garnered nine doubles, named to the All-MEL First Team Weight: 170 and 2014 league titles and he was
one triple and three home runs, as a senior, a Daily Republic Class: Freshman named the 2014 Avocado East
went 4-for-4 in stolen base All-City selection for two seasons, Hometown: San Marcos, CA Pitcher of the Year while earning a
attempts, and added four sacrifice and an Armijo Baseball Hall of spot on the All-League First Team.
flies and two sacrifice bunts. Fame inductee. He compiled a 9-1 record with
SOLANO CC: Spini played two a 1.15 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 95
seasons at Solano College strikeouts.
and was named to the All-Bay
Valley Conference First Team

If you would like to hire a Humboldt Crab part-time during the summer months, please contact

Hire a Humboldt Crabs board member Larry Zerlang at (707) 496-4802. Players are great for general yard
Crab Player work or general work around the house. Got something to haul or move? Hire a Crab!

Humboldt Crabs 2015 23

And now a the quality of the entire ballpark again, but it truly amazes so many
word from experience is what many teams others and myself.
emulate, but few can actually provide.
management Quality has always been at the This season I am looking for the
forefront of the organization, and will 2015 squad to continue what the
It is with great continue to be the driving force for Humboldt Crabs have been about,
anticipation that many years to come. quality and consistency. The quality
summer baseball is of competition that will be on display
back in Arcata for the Consistency for the Crabs each night as the team laces up their
Crabs 71st season! The represents everything from the Arcata cleats will be on full display.
Humboldt Crabs baseball Ballpark, a winning tradition, the World
team has become a Famous Crab Grass Band, and the The consistency of showing up
young ballplayer’s dream stop during notoriously faithful hometown crowd. and competing each and every night,
their playing careers, and for that The consistency from all facets of the whether you feel good or not, will be
myself and former players are forever Crabs organization, the supporting something that is shown and proven,
grateful. community and most importantly the not just spoken about. Summer
There have been two contributing fans is what makes the difference for baseball for these ballplayers is truly
factors allowing the Crabs to withstand so many players, and will continue to a learning and growing experience,
so much change throughout the be a life changer for many years. as they gain not only valuable playing
first 70 years of the organization: experience, but also life experiences
quality and consistency. The quality Part of my job with the Crabs is to of playing for 10 weeks with 25 new
of baseball that is played, the quality recruit each year’s team, but the best teammates. The life lessons these
of competition, the quality in which recruiting tool available to me is the young men will take away from their
the teams and fans are treated, and selling point on just how great it is summer in Arcata will forever be
to play in front of such a supportive carried with them, and it all goes back
crowd. What the crowd provides to quality and consistency that has
for these young ballplayers is truly been provided for the last 70 years.
amazing and sticks in the minds of
the players for the rest of their lives. — Tyson Fisher, Crabs Manager
This has been repeated over and over

24 Humboldt Crabs 2015

The Hall members Erik Fraser, Steve Williams, Did you ever play for the Crabs
of Fame and Vikki Rossi. or do you know someone who did?
of Crabs Contact Crabs Board President Vikki
The 2015 list of individual Rossi at [email protected]
It’s always an entertaining time inductees includes: to find out how you can get involved
when the Hall of Fame Selection with all our Crabs Alumni events.
Committee gets together to pick • Fred Papini – Equipment Manager
the new group of inductees. The 1945 to 1966 Alumni weekend will be
members show up with the previous July 17 – July 19, 2015 weekend.
meeting’s list of future contenders, • Douglas Clayton – Player from
their new nominations, and research 1948 to 1952 — Get signed up!
ready to discuss the past legends of
Crabs baseball; it truly is a nostalgic • Billy Olson – Player in 1967
moment for all with paperwork strewn • Lute Barnes – Player in 1967
everywhere. • Paul Ziegler – Player from
The Selection Committee is made
up of Carl Del Grande, Jeff Self, 1977 to 1981
Manny Machado, Ray Hamill, Reggie • Shane Turner – Player from
Christensen, Roger Lorenzetti, and
Tag Wotherspoon. Also sitting in on 1982 to 1983
the meetings are Crabs Historian • Scott Eskra – Player in 1995
Brice Gummersall, and Crabs’ board • Joe Gerber – Player from

1997 to 1998
• Nick Giacone – Player from

2003 to 2004

The team inductee is the 2003 team,
holding a remarkable record of 43
wins to 5 losses. This team had a
combined batting average of .337
and a combined ERA of 3.00.
The Hall of Fame Induction
Ceremony will be taking place on
Saturday, July 18 before the game,
so please join us in celebrating their
contributions to Humboldt Crabs
Baseball!

One-hundred years of Humboldt Hardball

Baseball at the Clarke back to the 19th century.
Museum through mid-June
The Museum will be
The Clarke Historical Museum
in Old Town Eureka is proud to be simultaneously exhibiting
hosting a tribute to the history of
baseball in Humboldt County, with a display of Humboldt’s
objects and photographs spanning
from modern day all the way textile and clothing history

from the 1920s, 30s and

40s.

The Baseball Exhibit

will feature a section

focusing on the history Part of Clarke's expansive baseball photo
of the Humboldt Crabs, collection: the Daly's Indians, 1960 Eureka
the area’s premier Midget League and County Champions.

baseball club. unitl mid June 2015.
Join the Clarke Historical Museum The Clarke Historical Museum is

in taking a look at Humboldt’s located at 240 E Street in Eureka.
clothing history as well as baseball’s Phone (707) 443-1947.
decorated past in Humboldt County

Humboldt Crabs 2015 25

Celebrating 16 years serving the North Coast!

Redwood HaRley-davidson

2500 6th Street • Eureka, CA
www.redwoodharley.com
(707) 441-0111
Go Crabs Go!

H. T. HARVEY & ASSOCIATES

Ecological Consultants

26 Humboldt Crabs 2015

City or Crabs?

Measuring theYard

You may hear Crabs fans walking team. The team is a rope pulley system?
up F Street just before a game, run and operated by The Crabs and the City of Arcata
talking on their cell phone and a non-profit board
saying to their friends, “I’m on my way of directors. These hope to put together a master plan for
to Crabs ballpark.” board of directors are the ballpark as well. Once the master
community members plan is completed, other ballpark
Some fans may think the ballpark who have a passion improvements can be identified and
belongs to the Crabs, but the ballpark for the game and who implemented over time. The Crabs first
is actually owned by the City of Arcata. have been tapped by other current started working with local engineering
The Crabs are merely one of the main and former board members to keep company Atlas Engineering, which is
tenants for the summer months. the legacy of 71 consecutive years owned by Michael Taylor. Michael is a
of baseball going. The board meets long-time Crabs fan and sponsor.
The land the park sits on is made year round, twice a month and each
up of four city blocks that were given to board member is assigned a specific The Crabs also looked at finding
the City between 1923-1938 according task. They each receive a season pass some architects who had experience
to City records. The land was willed to for their work and efforts. Why would building and designing other ballparks
the City with the instructions it would be anyone work for free year round? like Tiger Field in Redding. Designing
used for community sports and events. Because everyone on the board loves a master plan is a long and arduous
“To be used perpetually by the said baseball and they love the Crabs. process and requires lots of planning
party of the second part as a public park The board of directors have to and funding.
or children’s playground, or for some make tough choices every season.
other public purpose of a similar nature.” This season the board of directors, in Many of our sponsors and
a partnership with the City of Arcata, community partners are responsible
According to records, the ballpark decided to raise the adult ticket price for some of the improvements the
was built over a period of time between by $1. Up from $8 to $9, ten strips from Crabs have made to the ballpark in
1934-1941. It was built by the Works $60 to $65 and season passes up from recent years. Ed Cook Construction
Progress Administration (WPA). The $90 to $100. Each extra dollar raised donated the concrete and labor for
Arcata Chamber of Commerce was the will go into a separate fund, called the walkway behind the Crabs dugout
main driving force behind the project. the Ballpark Improvement Projects and the foundation for the batting cage
Fund. This fund was set up in order in left field. Due to the generosity of
So, as a Crabs fan and community to raise monies for new bleachers community members like Michael and
member, we hope you appreciate the that will be installed in the near future. Ed, the ballpark is improving.
uniqueness of this facility and don’t The new bleachers will be just
take it for granted. Imagine the ballpark one of the ballpark Another ballpark improvement
as a parking lot and you can feel a improvements the the Crabs believe is important is the
collective Crabs groan of horror. City of Arcata and installation of a water filtration station
the Crabs wish to on the first base side. The Crabs have
All ballparks are unique in their accomplish.
own way, each having its own feel, For example, partnered with Alchemy
quirks and personality. The Crabs’ yard the current Don Terbush Distillery on this project.
could be described as having an old- radio/PA booth is only accessible by The distillery is owned
school feel and classic style; it could climbing up a ladder. Most ballparks by long-time Crabs fans
be described as a cozy and intimate have media booths that are accessible and sponsors Amy and
park. A park where Crabs fans come from the top of the bleachers. Although Stephen Bohner. The
together like family; for the locals, it can this is one aspect of Crabs’ park Crabs sell bottled water at
feel as if you had stumbled into a giant uniqueness, it’s time to join the modern all concession stands, but in this age
Chamber of Commerce mixer. world. In the future, we hope to have of water conservation and the City of
a state of the art radio booth for our Arcata going green, the Crabs wanted
The Crabs are owned by you, broadcasters who have been climbing the fans to have access to free, filtered
the community. The Crabs are your that ladder for the past 25 or so years. drinking water to refill their canteens.
Have you ever tried to deliver four hot We are all in this together and in
dogs, four pretzels and four Pepsis by order to keep the ballpark looking its
best for fans, the City of Arcata and
the community, we all need to pitch in.
Thanks for your understanding. If
you’d like to help, email info@
humboldtcrabs.com

Humboldt Crabs 2015 27

28 Humboldt Crabs 2015

Major Leaguers

Former Humboldt Crabs
in the Big Leagues

By the way, the Crabs continue
to recruit players from Gonzaga to
this day. The latest Gonzaga-Crab
connection is Beau Bozett, who is the
only returning player from the 2014
team.

Mike Redmond Vinnie Pestano His secondary pitch is a breaking ball
in the low 80s that is referred to by
Former Crab Mike Redmond, a Former 2004 Humboldt Crab various sources as a curveball or a
catcher who was a battery mate of Vinnie Pestano is currently a relief slider. He also occasionally throws a
Crabs manager Matt Nutter in the pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels. two-seam fastball.
mid-1990s, went on to spend more A sidearm pitcher, Pestano made his
than a decade playing in the major major league debut in 2010 with the Pestano’s college career included
leagues. Redmond played his college Cleveland Indians. The Angels signed a championship with the Cal State
baseball at Gonzaga University. He Pestano after agreeing to a one-year, Fullerton Titans, who won the 2004
made his Major League debut on May $1.15 million contract with the relief NCAA College World Series in Omaha,
31, 1998, and played his final game pitcher. In 2014, Pestano made 25 Neb.
on July 2, 2010. He was part of the appearances and produced a 2.89 ERA
Florida Marlins team that won the 2003 over 18 2/3 innings with 26 strikeouts. Other MLB players who were
World Series. In 764 career games, He will fill a middle relief role for the teammates with Pestano on that 2004
Redmond recorded a batting average Angels. team were are Brett Pill (Giants), Kurt
of .287 and accumulated 13 home Suzuki (Twins), Ricky Romero (Blue
runs and 243 RBIs. After retiring as Pestano attended Canyon High Jays) and Justin Turner (Dodgers).
a player, Redmond became a Minor School (Anaheim) and California State
League manager for the Toronto Blue University, Fullerton before being Pestano started out as a Titan ball
Jays. He was named the manager of drafted by the Cleveland Indians in boy and never looked back. Pestano’s
the Miami Marlins in November 2012 the 20th round of the 2006 amateur walk up song at Fullerton was “Rock
and signed a three-year deal. You draft. Pestano’s elbow popped in May You Like A Hurricane” by the Scorpions;
may have seen him throwing pitches 2006 right before the draft. The Indians and now is using “Monster” by a band
to Giancarlo Stanton during the first drafted him even after the injury. named Skillet.
round of the 2014 Home Run Derby
at the MLB All Star Weekend. Pestano throws three pitches. His Pestano’s favorite player from his
main pitch is a four-seam fastball that Fullerton days who he respects and
Redmond was released from the is typically thrown between 90-93 mph. admires: Justin Turner, who now plays
Marlins on May 17, 2015. 3rd base for the Dodgers. “Just the
way he plays the game, I knew he was
something special,” Pestano said.

There probably isn't a more unlikely
baseball powerhouse than Cal State
Fullerton, a commuter school that
started its program playing on a dirt
lot with used uniforms. But the Titans
have never had a losing season in 37
years in of Division I play, making the
postseason in 33 of those 37 years
(including the last 20 in a row) and
made 16 trips to Omaha. Fullerton and
has won four national championships,

continued

Humboldt Crabs 2015 29

30 Humboldt Crabs 2015

Former Crab and now Cleveland Indian:

First-round draft pick Bradley Zimmer wasn’t
nervous, but he impressed in his spring debut

Courtesy of Zach Meisel Zimmer, the Indians’ first-round
NE OHIO MEDIA GROUP
March 05, 2015 selection in last summer’s

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — He found out amateur draft. “But I wasn’t
at noon on Wednesday, after batting
practice. nervous. I was excited. I had

The lanky, 22-year-old California kid some fun out there.”
was going to make his spring debut.
He was going to share the dugout The Indians had fun watching
with big leaguers. He was going to
operate under the direction of major- him. Zimmer tripled to right-
league coaches.
center in his spring debut, just Cleveland Indian draft picks (L-R) Brad Zimmer, Bobby
Bradley Zimmer arrived at nine months after the Tribe Bradley, Justus Sheffield, and Grant Hockin pose for pictures
Goodyear Ballpark and, he contends, made him the 21st choice while attending BP before a game between the Cleveland
didn’t feel nervous. “Right when you
get here, it’s a little bit shocking,” said in the 2014 draft. Indians and the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, June 17,
“The guy fooled me before on 2014. (Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer)
Zimmer played for the Crabs in 2013
and then played the next summer in a changeup and left one up in the kind of learn from them. It was cool
the Cape Cod League. zone and I pounded it,” Zimmer said. being here first-hand and getting to
talk to Francona and him telling me
Zimmer posted a .302/.400/.492 what position and all that.” Francona
slash line with six home runs, 32 RBIs enjoyed telling him to trot out to center
and 12 stolen bases in 48 games last field.
season. He played 45 of those 48
tilts with Low-A Mahoning Valley. On “It’s going to be fun to see what he
Thursday, he manned center field, looks like in another year and a half,
between James Ramsey and Tyler two years,” Francona said. “He’s a
Naquin. The Indians acquired Ramsey lanky kid. You know there’s going to
in a trade for Justin Masterson last be more muscle put on there. He’s a
July. They selected Naquin in the first good-looking kid.”
round of the 2012 draft.

“It was awesome,” Zimmer said.

“It’s just a taste of what it’s like being Bradley Zimmer played for the
in the major leagues. It was a cool Humboldt Crabs in 2013 when he
experience getting to hang out in the attended University of San Francisco.
dugout and meet some of the big Other Crabs who are currently
leaguers. I just kind of picked their playing for the USF Dons include
brains. Zack McCoy, Mack Meyer, Manny
Ramirez Jr., and Matt Sinatro.
“Out here on the minor-league
side you get to watch them and

Pestano continued Garrido played with the Crabs ALWAYS WEAR YOUR CRABS GEAR: Former Crab
from 1959-1961 and was inducted Vinny Pestano noticed Crabs Superfan Conner
one in each of the last four decades into the Crabs Hall of Fame in Fitzgerald before a game in Seattle. Pestano was a
(1979, '84, '95, '04). 2014. Humboldt Crab in 2004. He now pitches for the Angels.

The Titans haven't exactly The recent Fullerton teams
done that with no talent. Three of have kept up this tradition,
their players were Golden Spikes with four members of the 2004
Winners who went on to lengthy championship team currently on
major league careers — Tim major league rosters (Romero,
Wallach, Phil Nevin and Mark Suzuki, Pestano and Turner).
Kotsay, the latter a key member Last year, it was the only program
for coach and former Crab (1959- to have two players selected in
1961, 1996 and inducted into the the first round of the draft, with
Crabs Hall of Fame in 2014) Augie Christian Colon going fourth to
Garrido's 1995 squad that won the the Royals and Gary Brown
national title with a 57-9 record 24th to the Giants.
and is considered the best college
baseball team of all-time.

Humboldt Crabs 2015 31

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34 Humboldt Crabs 2015

Meet Crabs: Where
the Heat are they now?

Crabs leadership
down under

By Jake Martin/Crabs PA Announcer “Fish was one heck-of-a ballplayer!” are a lot of crossover cricket players
said Crabs Board of Directors member and I have to get them to change their
Former Crabs pitcher Steve Larry Zerlang. In 1994 Fish posted swing,” Fish said in his 2012 interview
Fish has a long career in baseball, a record of 7-1; in 1995 he went with the Times-Standard. Fish also
a career that has taken him from undefeated on the mound with a 6-0 relayed some of his favorite memories
California’s redwood coast to the coast record and a 0.63 ERA, allowing of his time spent as a Humboldt Crab
of Southwest Australia. Fish, who only three earned runs all season. in the interview. “The comradery was
pitched for the Crabs from 1994-1996, incredible,” he said. “It was always a
is currently the manager of the Perth Steve Fish relaxed atmosphere and the crowds
Heat in the city of Perth, Australia. were awesome. We loved coming to
In 1996 he went 8-2, bringing his the field every day. The town really
The team, which represents Perth total record during his Crabs career got around us.”
in the Australian Baseball League to 21-3. Fish was inducted into the
(ABL), formed in the late 1980s. While Crabs Hall of Fame in 2012. Fish has He also reflected on more personal
it may seem strange to find baseball in coached players at many elite levels of relationships with members of the
the Land Down Under, the sport has professional baseball, from the Rookie Crabs family. “I have fond memories
been growing in popularity in Australia leagues to the World Baseball Classic of Ned Barsuglia and ‘Baseball
and the Perth Heat have been a great all the way to Major League Baseball. Betty,’” he said. “I had a really good
contributor to that growth. relationship with Ned. He was a
Fish has worked as an Associate stubborn old guy but if you played
The team had a great season this Scout for the Boston Red Sox since well – he loved ya. She’d always have
year – they were crowned champions 2012. He has also become an a bucket of KFC for me before every
of the Australian Baseball League ambassador for the sport in Western start. She’d spend a ton of money on
in February and hoisted the Claxton Australia. He ended up in Australia the 50/50 drawing, and win it once a
Shield as champions in Adelaide for because of a former Australian Crabs weekend, then spend it on the players
the sixth time in eight years. player, Kevin Hooker, Fish said. on a nice feed.”

Fish joined the Heat as an He spoke about his uphill battle Fish was asked about how he
Assistant Coach in 2007 and became to bring baseball into the forefront enjoyed Western Australian baseball
manager in 2011. Fish has led Perth in Australia when he talked to the with the Perth Heat. Fish replied, “I get
to four championships since he began local media during his last visit to to be a part of professional baseball
his tenure in Western Australian Humboldt County in 2012. “Baseball still. We fly in our league, so it has
baseball. He has received Coach of is gaining ground, but we are still way that AAA aspect to it. Plus, I’ve been
the Year honors twice. behind cricket. That’s one thing, there fortunate to travel all over the world and
I run our junior program in which we
Fish has come a long way from take our top juniors to the USA every
his hometown of Portland and his year during the American summer.”
days at the College of the Redwoods.
He began pitching for the Crabs Hopefully the Perth Heat and the
while attending CR and continued Humboldt Crabs will get together in
his time with the team after moving the not-too-distant future for some fun
on to playing ball for the University in the sun with baseball brothers from
of Nebraska in 1996 and 1997. Fish another continent.
was even fortunate enough to play
baseball after his time in college The Crabs are proud to call Fish
when the Los Angeles Angels one of their own and all of the Crabs
drafted him in the 22nd round. family hopes he has continued
success in all of his baseball
Fish played for the New Jersey endeavors and beyond.
Jackals, the St. Paul Saints and even
‘made it to the show’ with the Angels.

Humboldt Crabs 2015 35

36 Humboldt Crabs 2015

Where
are they
now?

After 71 consecutive years of Crabs Clay Cederquist He was a 2007 David
baseball, it can be incredibly difficult
to keep track of our extended summer Clay Cederquist (Crabs first first team All- Flores
baseball family. Under Crabs Board baseman from 2012-13) joined the
President Vikki Rossi, a Hall of Fame Sacramento State baseball staff after WAC selection
Committee and Crabs Alumni Program graduating from the university in the
was formed so that we could keep in spring of 2014. He will serve as the and was second
touch with our former players. Every team's Director of Operations for the
player who wore the Crabs uniform 2015 season. team All-WAC in
receives a lifetime pass that allows
them to come to any Crabs game for Cederquist played two seasons for 2006 and 2008.
free. It is a way for us to say thank the Hornets after starting his collegiate
you for making our summers so career at Fresno City College. He He was
much fun. appeared in 51 games while making
Here is a small sampling of some of our 45 starts as a junior in 2012 and hit drafted by the
former Crabs players and where they .304 with four doubles, two home runs,
are now in their baseball careers. 18 runs and 26 RBIs in 184 at-bats. Houston Astros

Clay Cederquist After a redshirt year, he returned in the 18th round
in 2014 as the Hornets designated
hitter and hit .265 with two home runs of the 2008
and 15 RBIs in 42 games played. He
also excelled in the classroom and MLB draft. He played four seasons of
was named WAC All-Academic after
his senior season before graduating professional baseball and reached the
with a degree in organizational
communication. AA level in 2011.

A native of Fowler, CA, Cederquist He totaled a .258 batting average
was drafted in the 46th round of the
2009 Major League Baseball draft by with 47 home runs and 192 RBIs
the Seattle Mariners.
while playing for three pro teams
David Flores
before retiring in 2011.
Former Crabs coach David Flores
(2014) rejoins the Sacramento State David runs a youth camp in his
baseball program as a assistant coach
for the 2015 season. hometown of Union City in the San

Flores played four years for the Francisco Bay Area is also partnered
Sacramento State Hornets (2005-
08) and still holds a number of with his brother in a baseball clothing
career records at the school. He
is the all-time program leader with line called Diamond Level.
57 career doubles and is tied for
second in program history with 128 The Humboldt Crabs won three
career runs scored, third with 226 back-to-back league championships
career hits, and eighth in career RBIs. during their stint in the Far West
League. The Crabs teams from
2011-2013 had some memorable
players. Here are a few of them:

Austin Prott

Prott (Crabs first baseman in 2011-12)
was the team’s Defensive Player of
the Year in 2011.

Prott played at both Butte College
and Chico State University. At Butte
College, he posted a career .361
batting average and earned the
Roadrunners’ Charlie Hustle Award
in 2010 and 2011.

Prott was named team’s defensive
player of the year as a freshman, and
member of the Golden Valley

continued

Humboldt Crabs 2015 37

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Austin Prior to Northern, pitching in the 2011 D-2 College World
Prott Hampton served Series, being named the 2011 West
as the Director of Region champs when he was with
Conference All-Academic team. Baseball Operations Sonoma State University and winning
A 2008 graduate of Chico High at Division 1 the 2011 League Championship with
Sacramento State the Humboldt Crabs.
School, Prott earned four letters in University. He
baseball, two in basketball and one in helped the Hornets One day, Van Cleve would like to be
football. reach their first the general manager of a Minor League
NCAA regional team. He’s currently working his way
Prott’s major was applied sciences appearance in up the ranks, serving as a senior
and mathematics and wanted to be a program history. account executive with the Sacramento
pediatrician if he didn’t get drafted. In 2014, Hampton River Cats.
served as assistant
He played for the Alpine Cowboys coach for the Wisconsin Woodchucks Here’s what he has to say to all the
in the Minors Pecos League in 2014, in a summer collegiate league. Crabs fans: “You guys are the most
batting .268. Hampton was a 47th round draft passionate, loving and amazing fans
pick of the Cincinnati Reds coming out I ever had the chance to play in front
Jason of high school in 2009. of. You make that league possible. I
Hampton wish you truly understood the amount
Joey Van Cleve of energy you all provided us to play
Jason Hampton on a daily basis. Thank you for the
Joey Van Cleve, a pitcher for memories.”
Jason Hampton, who played with the Crabs in 2011, attended Santa
the Crabs in 2012, is entering his first Rosa Junior College, San Jose State Tony Martin
season as the Northern University University and Sonoma State University,
Wolves’ graduate assistant baseball where he tied for the team lead with Tony Martin, Crabs catcher in
coach. He is also pursuing a master’s 17 appearances in 2011 and tied for 2008, played for the South Dakota
degree in sports performance and team-high honors with four saves. He State Jackrabbits. When he came
leadership. made four starts in 2011 and gave up to Northern California to play for
just one run over seven innings in a the Crabs, it was the first time he
Hampton graduated from win over Chico State in May 2011. He had ever seen the ocean.
Sacramento State in 2013 also tossed four shutout relief innings
with a degree in organizational again California State University, San “That whole summer was
communications. He lettered four years Bernardino, in April 2011. memorable,” Martin said, “playing
for the Hornets, playing first base and with great friends like Kirby
serving as a designated hitter primarily, In 2010, Van Cleve made seven Morsching, Isaac Johnson, and
though he also saw time on the appearances for Sonoma State, Max Fenske.
mound. He finished his career with a including two starts. He earned a save
.286 batting average, while making 12 against Western Oregon in February “There are no better fans then
appearances on the mound including 2010 and struck out eight batters in the Crab fans — anywhere,” Martin
two starts and striking out 13. 8.1 innings. said.

Van Cleve says some of his most Martin currently serves as a
memorable baseball highlights include catching coach for Fossil Ridge
High School in Colorado.
Joey Van Cleve

Humboldt Crabs 2015 39

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Morgan takes over
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“Brad has brought a new energy to the program and he’s

perfect for the job,” Brown said of Morgan, who graduated

from Eureka High School in 2005 and played at CR in

2006-07 before moving on to the University of New Mexico

Highlands in 2009-10 and also playing for the Crabs.

Morgan captained Humboldt County’s prep elite Eagles

to a 24-23 overall mark in 2015. Morgan guided the Eagles

to its first appearance at the American Legion state tourna-

ment since 1984.

“He was a heck of a player for us and went on to a Divi-

sion II school and got his master’s degree and is someone

who put in the time and effort to make himself prepared,”

Brown said. “Being a local guy will definitely help him and I

know he’ll do a good job building the program the best he

can.”

For Morgan, the decision to accept the job at CR wasn’t

difficult.

“I’d say I thought about it for 10 seconds,” Morgan said.

“I knew this was something I wanted to do. It’s the reason

I did my schooling, just to give me the opportunity to get to

this level. I’m definitely ready for this and I can’t wait to see

what I can do.” —­ Excerpts taken from the Times-Standard

www.times-standard.com

40 Humboldt Crabs 2015

Where are they now? was a 31st round selection for Toronto in 2012. The 2012
season under Christiansen was also one of the most
Former Humboldt Crabs successful seasons in program history. The Hornets won
coaching at the next level the WAC regular season championship for the first time
since joining the league in 1993, becoming just one of two
Reggie Christiansen teams in the nation to go from last place in its respective
conference in 2011 to first place in 2012.
Reggie Christiansen played for the Crabs in 1995, 1996
and 2000. Christiansen now enters his fifth season as head Before coming to Sacramento State to become an
assistant for longtime head coach John Smith, Christiansen
coach at Sacramento State University. He spent four seasons (2005 to 2008) as the head coach at
took over the reigns of the program after South Dakota State University. Current Crabs Manager
spending the 2009 and 2010 seasons as Tyson Fisher played for Christiansen from 2006 to 2008.
the associate head coach. Over the last Christiansen posted a 96-113 record at South Dakota State,
three seasons Christiansen’s program turning a 12-win team in Division II the year before his hire
has received an All-American Honor into a team that won the Division I Independent Tournament
(Rhys Hoskins), four Freshman All- in 2007, posting a 34-19 record. Under Christiansen, the
American Honors, three Western Athletic 2007 Jackrabbits reshaped the SDSU record books. The
Conference Freshmen of the Year and two WAC Player squad set records for runs scored (395), hits (573), doubles
of the Year honors while Christiansen has twice been (99), total bases (891), runs batted in (357) and at bats
named the WAC Coach of the Year. Three of Christiansen’s (1,824). In addition, the 2007 team fielded .962, just one
Hornets heard their names called in the Major League percentage point off the school mark. Christiansen earned
Baseball draft, with outfielder and former Humboldt Crab Division I Independent Coach of the Year honors following
Justin Higley (13th round, Oakland) and second baseman
and former Crab Andrew Ayers (30th round, Kansas City) in that season.
2013, continuing the strong Hornet lineage in professional He spent the 2001 season in his hometown as the head
baseball. Another former Crab and infielder Derrick Chung
coach at Ferndale High School, and also spent time with
three summer teams as an assistant coach, working with the
San Mateo Bulldogs, Humboldt Crabs and Topeka Capitals.
A native of Ferndale, Christiansen and his wife Amber have
two sons, Ryan and Reese, and a daughter, Ava.

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42 Humboldt Crabs 2015

Heavenly Tyson Fisher’s first season as Crabs captain was a success,
Seventy boasting a 34-15 record for the 70th season on Crabs
standouts Andrew Nelson, Alex Crosby and Trent Goodrich.

Humboldt Crabs 2015 43

44 Humboldt Crabs 2015

The Opposition 2015 Visitors

The 2015 schedule has a combination California Expos Seattle Studs
of teams we’ve played in the past and a
number of new ball clubs. Once again The California Expos were founded by Founded in 1954 by Ben Cheney of Cheney
we have recruited with the concept Jamie Cederquist, who has been a scout Lumber Company in Tacoma, WA, the Seattle
that we want to play the best teams with the Miami Marlins since 2006. Many of Tacoma Cheney Studs are one of the most
available. So, expect another exciting his assistant coaches are also area scouts. tenured amateur baseball organizations in
season of very competitive baseball. Thomas Raymundo is a scout for the Boston the country. This season marks the Stud’s
Note: There are no double headers on Red Sox and Jon Scott is a scout for the 62nd consecutive year of baseball, only 9
the schedule this year. Seattle Mariners. The Expos pitching coach years younger than your own Crabs team.
is Michael Garza, whose brother, Matt Garza, Traditionally, the Studs have fielded a mixed
Fairfield Indians pitches for the Milwaukee Brewers. The team team consisting of current college players
won the Central Valley Collegiate League in and ex-professionals, making for a very
Founded in 1978, the Fairfield Indians are 2014. They return 2014 CVCL MVP Baron experienced and competitive ball club. This
celebrating their 37th anniversary this year. Bower (Fresno Pacific) and 2014 CVCL Pitcher should be a very entertaining three games
The team’s founder, Norm Thompson, has of the Year Connor Brogdon (Fresno City with the NBC World Champions.
transitioned in the past three years from College). Brogdon was drafted by the Atlanta www.seattlestuds.com
rosters of mostly ex-pro ballplayers to Braves in the 40th round of the 2013 MLB (See related article on page 52)
only college players. The Indians have draft. The Expos finished the 2014 season
been our traditional “opener” for more at 21-3-1 and had big wins over the San Auburn Wildcats
than a dozen years. The May series Francisco Seals, Atwater Aviators, and Bay
promises two great games to start Area Tides. californiaexpos.webs.com The Wildcats are a member of the Golden
the season with this traditional rival. State Collegiate Baseball League. Co-
www.fairfieldindians.net Seals Baseball Club sponsored by the Auburn Recreational

Novato Knicks The Seals were founded in 1985 by General
Manager Abel Alcantar. Primarily a traveling
Established in 1956, 2015 marks the 60th team, the Seals’ history with the Crabs goes
season for this semi-professional baseball back over at least a dozen years of competitive
club. Composed of a combination of veteran baseball. After having recruited and promoted
players (ex-college and Pro) and current several teams, Coach Alcantar is once again
collegiate players, the Knicks are mostly a focusing on the college level team. The Seals
travel team. The last semi-pro team located were members of the Far West League in
in Marin County, we anticipate a tough 2012 and 2013 and we welcome them back
two games for the weekday series for what continues to be a lively rivalry.
at the beginning of June. www.sealsbaseball.com

continued

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Humboldt Crabs 2015 45

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46 Humboldt Crabs 2015

The Opposition 2015 Visitors

District, they are piloted by Manager Shannon West League for the 2012 season, the 45s Northwest teams to form the West Coast
Fernandez. Formerly called the Morgan Hill re-entered league play in 2013 under founder Collegiate Baseball League
Mudcats (an opponent of the Crabs in years and manager Dennis Brugman’s leadership. for college-eligible players only. The
past), the team’s move to Auburn occurred The 45s remain an independent team like the team relocated to Corvallis, OR, in
four years ago. Indicative of their quality of Crabs and have been invited to play in the 2007 and has become the WCL's most
baseball, the Wildcats consistently place a Great Western League. The 45s are a great successful franchise since relocating.
record number of players to all league first- and rival and we will play a three game series both www.corvallisknights.com
second-team honors. This three game set is home and away in 2015, visiting Redding the
expected to be one of the best of the season. end of June and hosting the 45s Solano Mudcats
www.auburnwildcats.com in late July. www.reddingcolt45s.com
A longtime rival, the Mudcats have consistently
The Walnut Creek Crawdads Corvallis Knights given the Crabs some of the best competition
of the season. While the heart of the team
Founded in 2010, the Crawdads were in the The Knights were founded in 1990. With the remains with founder and General Manager
Far West League two years ago with the support of a primary sponsor with vision and Shawn Scibek, the team is skippered by past
Crabs and are a member of the California unwavering care — Penny Knight — the team Crabs player David Negron (2002). Members
Collegiate League. The team’s home field has grown considerably over the years. After of the Sac Rural League since 1993, they are
this year will be St Mary’s College in Moraga. starting play in a Beaverton, Ore., recreational typically one of the better squads, having been
The parent organization, More Than a Game, baseball league, the Aloha Knights settled into league champs in 2012. Originally organized
focuses on providing opportunities for the the Portland City League in 1994. In 1999, as a semi-pro team, the Cats are now a
team to play against high-level competition the club left the City League and joined the non-profit summer wood-bat college squad.
and to give their players the opportunity www.solanomudcats.org
to improve as baseball players. www. Northwest’s premier
walnutcreekcrawdads.com semi-pro wood-bat Alameda Merchants
circuit — the Pacific
Redding Colt 45s International League With a history that dates back to 1977, the
(PIL). The club’s Alameda Merchants became a collegiate
The Colt 45s have been on the Crabs PIL era concluded summer baseball team in 2012 and competed
schedule since this non-profit summer in 2004 with a in the Pacific West Baseball League (PWBL).
collegiate team was established in 2005. summer national With the addition of new head coach Tim
As evidence of the 45s consistency championship as the Nelson in 2013, the Merchants improved in
as a competitive ball club, they have Knights won the 70th EVERY offensive category on their way to
participated in league championship NBC World Series two Golden State Collegiate Baseball League
tournaments for the Tri-State and Far in Wichita, Kansas. (GSCBL) Championships and a national TOP
West leagues as well as the Best of In 2005, the Knights
the West. After dropping out of the Far joined forces continued
with other Pacific

Humboldt Crabs 2015 47

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48 Humboldt Crabs 2015

The Opposition 2015 Visitors

50 ranking by Perfect Game Baseball. For his continuing development of a large home fan
efforts, Nelson was named the Golden State base, the Packers joined the Golden State
Collegiate Baseball League Coach of the Year Collegiate Baseball League (GSCBL) for
in 2013. alamedamerchantsbaseball.com 2014. We can expect two great ball games
when the Packers come to town.
Healdsburg Prune Packers www.prunepackers.org

Named for the historic community team Valley Bears Head Coach Mike Zirelli, past assistant coach
originally organized in 1921, the modern at Santa Clara University (2003 – 2011), has
Packers are led by former Wine Country A new team from Fresno, the Bears start excelled at recruiting top talent. Recruiting
Baseball administrator Riley Sullivan. only their third season as a team. Under the exclusively from Division I colleges, the roster
Healdsburg’s baseball history dates from the guidance of Coach Cesar Ortega, the Bears generally consists of older college players
late 1800s, with the current team resurrecting finished their first year as the #1 team in the looking toward a professional career in
the image of the 1950s Packers teams. When Pacific West Baseball League (PWBL). While baseball. The Caps played in the California
playing at home, you can catch the Packers new to the baseball scene as a team, last Collegiate League in 2014. A second-time
at McCaffrey Field at Recreation Park, original year’s success suggests we will encounter a visit to Arcata promises to be a great three-
home of the early Packer team. As part of their very competitive ball club in our third game of game mid-week set. pufcaps.com

the 2015 season. www. Note: The Fontanetti A's were scheduled to play
valleybearsbaseball.com on July 10-12 and in the season-end invitational
tournament. Unfortunately, the A's cancelled their
Pacific Union Financial season. The California Storm will play their series
Capitalists and the Auburn Wildcats will play in the tournament.

Organized in 2013 as an Elite Travel
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50 Humboldt Crabs 2015

To League or Not to League?

Portland to field wood-bat baseball team;
Humboldt Crabs invited to join the Great West League

Courtesy of Steve Brandon Portland lost pro baseball when owner Merritt Paulson
Portland Tribune sold the Triple-A Portland Beavers after the 2010 Pacific
March 5, 2015 Coast League season and turned PGE Park (now Providence
Park) into a soccer-dominated stadium.
Portland will have a baseball team again. The fledgling
Great West League, featuring wood-bat baseball for college With limited baseball facility options in Portland, the GWL
players, has awarded a new franchise to Portland. likely would play its home games at one of the city-managed
ballparks, Walker Stadium in Lents Park or Sckavone
The league plans to begin play in early June 2016. Chico Stadium in the Sellwood area.
and Lodi in California already have secured teams, and the
GWL is looking to add more in the Portland area, Oregon and A few years ago, Paulson looked at Lents Park as a
California. The Great West League’s co-founders are Ken possible site for a new Beavers stadium, but he wound up
Wilson and Pat Gillick. selling to a group that moved the franchise to Tucson and
then to its current location, El Paso, Texas.
Wilson was the first president of another summer wood-
bat league for collegians, the West Coast League, serving Walker Stadium, built in 1956, would require some
from 2008 to 2013. He is a former Major League Baseball upgrades in order to host a GWL team playing a 60-
and National Hockey League broadcaster now living in game schedule (30 home games). But, with renovations
Portland. He was an MLB voice for 24 years, including six Walker Stadium has the infrastructure and room for the
seasons with legendary play-by-play man Dave Niehaus and needed seating capacity of about 1,500 and accompanying
the Seattle Mariners. concessions, press box and other amenities. And, Walker is
close to the I-205 freeway and MAX light-rail.
Gillick, a National Baseball Hall of Fame member, is
president of the Philadelphia Phillies. He has been general The GWL is promoting baseball in a minor league-like
manager of four MLB teams, including the Mariners, and led atmosphere of family entertainment. The league hopes
the Toronto Blue Jays to two World Series championships and to begin with six teams, all to be named by the end of the
the Phillies to one World Series title. summer.

Wilson says the Great West League “has received The Chico Heat will play at Nettleton Stadium, capacity
about a dozen serious inquiries from individuals and groups 4,200 and also home to the Cal State Chico baseball team.
interested in owning a team. The league’s focus is on serving Gillick, a Chico native, is one of the team owners.
the Western United States and growing the opportunity for
top college baseball players.” The yet-to-be-named Lodi team owner is Jack Donovan, a
former president and co-owner of the Portland Winterhawks
Note: The Humboldt Crabs, Marysville Gold Sox who has years of minor league baseball front-office
and Redding Colt 45s were all extended invitations to experience in the PCL and elsewhere. Lodi will play at the
join the Great West league. 1,337-seat Tony Zupo Field, which is run by the Lodi Parks
and Recreation Commission.
The Crabs for the most part have remained an
independent team, playing the majority of their games
at home in front of 800-plus fans. When the Crabs have
joined leagues in the past, one of the requirements is to
travel for long periods of time.

The Crabs board of directors’ mission is to ensure the
community-run baseball team continues to entertain the
community that sponsors them for the summer months,
but also wants the team to draw talented, collegiate
players and to draw a high level of competition. While
leagues provide the Crabs a higher level of competition,
traveling remains very expensive and the amount of
Crabs home games would be reduced significantly.