The Humboldt Crabs are excited to announce that starting this summer we will be joining the all-new Pacific Empire League! Joining the Crabs in this new alliance are five additional West Coast organizations that Crabs fans already know – the Healdsburg Prune Packers, Lincoln Potters, Medford Rogues, Solano Mudcats and West Coast Kings.
“The Humboldt Crabs organization is extremely proud to be part of the Pacific Empire League,” said Crabs President Scarlet Palmer. “We look forward to moving into our 80th season with a well-executed schedule and strong competition for the benefit of our fans and players.”
Since their final year in the Far West League in 2013, the Crabs have played as an independent team over the past decade, but have always maintained close relationships with several West Coast teams. When the opportunity arose to join several of those teams, the decision was a no-brainer.
The league affiliation will ensure strong competition at Arcata Ball Park, as well as bringing other improvements to the fan experience, not least the possibility of participating in a three-game championship series at the end of each season between the top two. Two teams in the league.
“The Humboldt Crabs are honored to be part of the Pacific Empire League in 2024 and the years to come,” Crabs assistant coach Eric Giaccone said. “We are excited about the opportunity to compete against the best collegiate teams from Northern California and Southern Oregon. PEL will work to create rivalries that will heighten the fan experience at Arcata Ballpark moving forward.”
Below is a press release from the Pacific Empire League. The 80th annual Humboldt Crabs baseball season begins on Friday, May 31. See you on the field! Pacific Empire League Release: Powerful West Coast Baseball Teams Combine to Form Pacific Empire League (PEL) TOP COAST, USA – Today marks the union of six top-tier West Coast summer college baseball teams as they join forces to launch the Pacific Empire League (PEL) . The Healdsburg Prune Packers, Humboldt Crabs, Lincoln Potters, Medford Rogues, Solano Mudcats and West Coast Kings will anchor the league in a groundbreaking collaboration.
PEL is committed to providing strong competition and promoting player development in fan-focused communities.
In its first season of 2024, the PEL will unite three former CCL teams (Prune Packers, Potters, Mudcats), the leading Bay Area squad, the West Coast Kings, and two thriving independent teams (Crabs and Rogues). Featuring a 3-game championship series, the summer schedule will provide a dynamic range of summer games of up to 55 high-stakes games.
“The Pacific Empire League checks all the boxes as a top-tier collegiate baseball league, featuring historic teams with loyal fan bases and strong relationships with college coaches and scouts. Our integrated technology enhances player exposure and development.” – Joey Gomez, General Manager/Coach Headquarters of the Healdsburg Prune Packers
Learn the difference
- Healdsburg Bron Packers: Dominated the CCL for six seasons, finishing atop the North Division each year while winning the league championship the last three straight seasons. More than 70 players have drafted or signed professional contracts.
- Lincoln Potters: Seven-season winning record, three CCL playoff appearances, leader in fan engagement, and 15 players drafted in the past two years.
- Humboldt Crabs: America’s oldest continuously operated summer college baseball team since 1945, with over 300 professional players.
- Medford Rogues: Independent pioneers with nearly a thousand fans per game, 39 players drafted or signed since 2013.
- Solano Mudcats: A summer collegiate baseball fixture since 1990, 31 players have been in D1 in the last three seasons.
- West Coast Kings: 2021 and 2023 West Coast World Series champions, featuring 61 D1 talent over the last three seasons.
Get ready for some exciting sports news! The Humboldt Crabs have joined forces with the Prune Packers, Mudcats, and other top teams to create a powerhouse baseball league. With the talent and passion of these teams coming together, fans can expect some intense matchups and thrilling games. The addition of the Humboldt Crabs to this all-new league is sure to bring a whole new level of excitement to the baseball scene. Get ready to cheer on your favorite teams as they compete in this epic new league.