A Stream Full of Crabs 

click to enlarge

• photo by Travis Turner
• Get ready. It's Crabs season!

Somebody pinch us!

'Tis once again the time of year when Humboldt finally gets to scratch that Crab itch that's been driving us crazy all year. Yes, this week, the Humboldt boys of summer begin their 68th annual infestation down at the Arcata Ballpark. Pull that hoodie out of the closet. Dust off your adorable butt cushion. Practice your best away team heckles.

That is of course unless you plan on utilizing the latest in sporty crustacean observing technology. For the first time ever, the Crabs will crawl across your computer screen all season courtesy of their new, schmancy UStream channel (ustream.tv/channel/crabs-baseball-webstream)! That's right, crabheads. Every game streamed for free from the press box behind home plate. Fire up yer tubes!

Just think: now you won't have to endure that sunshine, or smell that freshly cut grass, or choke down those plump dogs, or drunkenly sing “Take Me Out To … " Hey, wait a minute! All that stuff is awesome! I guess, use that stream only under circumstances where you find yourself distant from your beloved Crab meat.

If you want to feast on live Crab, your first 2012 chance will be this Saturday, June 2, at the Arcata Ballpark when the team takes on the Solano Mudcats at 12:30 p.m. -- oh, and again at 7 p.m. (you’re so spoiled). The next day, Sunday, June 3, the Crabbies face the Mudcats again at 12:30 p.m.

Die hard Crabophiles can also attend the annual Opening Dinner at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 1 at the Arcata Community Center. The evening features up-close encounters with 2012 Crabs, schmoozy no-host bar social hourness and a silent auction to raise team funds. Tickets are $20/$15 for fans under 12.

For more info on the Crabs new UStream channel, the Opening Dinner and the complete 2012 schedule, crabwalk on over to humboldtcrabs.com. Play ball!