Honoring the Humboldt Crabs Baseball Team

HONORING THE HUMBOLDT CRABS BASEBALL TEAM -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 04, 2004)

SPEECH OF HON. MIKE THOMPSON OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2004

Mr. THOMPSON of California, Mr. Speaker; I rise today in recognition of the Humboldt Crabs, the oldest continuously operating collegiate summer baseball team in our nation.

Founded in June of 1945 in Humboldt County, California by Lou Bonomini, the team is celebrating its 60th season. Made up of local players, the team played its first game on June 17, 1945. 2004 has been designated as the Year of the Alumni and several celebrations have been planned for over 900 past players.

Playing teams from all over California and Southern Oregon, the Humboldt Crabs originally played at Albee Stadium in Eureka and moved permanently to the Arcata Ballpark in the early 1960's. In 1995 the Humboldt Crabs became a registered non-profit organization managed by an all-volunteer community-based board of directors. The Crabs organization provides the community with outstanding summer baseball while also supporting local youth baseball summer camps and providing training and education for youth baseball coaches and umpires.

The Crabs recruit college baseball players from all over the western United States. Players are provided with summer jobs as well as housing and the opportunity to play in 45 to 50 baseball games during the months of June and July. Forty former Crabs players have played or are presently playing on major league teams. The Crabs have won 17 California State Championships and the team has an overall winning record of 1,924 wins and 578 losses for a winning percentage well over .700.

Founder Lou Bonomini, who managed the popular Crabs from 1945 to 1986, joined by Ned Barsuglia and Don Terbush in the early 1960's, played a major role in guiding the successful team. Jerry Nutter, who served as president of the board from 1995 to 2000, and Ken Ames who has managed the team for 13 years, have carried on the tradition of selfless commitment to the organization.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize the Humboldt Crabs baseball team on the occasion of its 60th season as a cherished summer tradition on the North Coast of California.

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