Jeff Giacomini, Crabs Hall-of-Famer and three-time team MVP, has been selected as the ninth manager in team history.
“It feels great, I’m extremely excited and ready to get going,” Giacomini said. “It’s something I’ve always imagined doing, and I’m really fortunate to have the opportunity to live out a dream come true.”
Giacomini has a long history with the Crabs. As a player, he was the team’s Most Valuable Player in 2007, 2008, and 2009. After playing two years professionally, he returned to be an assistant coach under Matt Nutter and Robin Guiver from 2012-2013, and again under Guiver from 2022-2025.
Giacomini said he felt like his whole life in Humboldt has been leading up to this opportunity. The Crabs are a big reason he and his wife Mona decided on building a life on the North Coast.
“I’ve made it clear from Day One when my wife and I moved here and chose to be here and be in this community, that my goal was always to be the manager of the Crabs.” he said.
Jeff Giacomini as a Crabs player in 2009.
Giacomini takes over for Guiver who recently announced he was stepping away to spend more time with his family after nine years at the helm. Giacomini said that both he and Guiver believe a seamless transition is important to the team as it looks to get over the hump and win the Pacific Empire League.
“I’ve spoken with Guiver, he’s very excited for me,” said Giacomini. “He and I have been in close contact for a long time, we’ve shared a lot with each other and we’re very alike in our coaching mentality and strategies. I’m looking forward to carrying on the tradition and standard that he’s set.”
Crabs President Scarlet Palmer praised Giacomini’s longtime commitment to the Crabs, saying this hire sets the team up well for the future.
“I look forward to an exciting new era in Humboldt Crabs history with Jeff Giacomini at the helm,” said Palmer. “His dedication to his players and the organization is undeniable. I’m certain he’ll lead the team forward with inspired ideas and exceptional motivation, as we continue to raise the bar of competition in the Pacific Empire League.”
Palmer added that she was grateful that the Crabs had several extremely qualified candidates apply for the position.
“We would like to thank an incredibly experienced and talented group of candidates for their interest in the position,” she said. “We are honored to have the support of such a qualified and expansive baseball community.”
