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By Ray Hamill — Humboldt Crabs baseball will return to the Arcata Ball Park for the first time in 670 days on Friday, when they welcome the Lincoln Potters for a three-game weekend series.

A limited number of fans will be allowed to attend while social distancing, and the ball park should be buzzing with the anticipation of a summer season again.

The coaches have been working with the players for the past two days, with 18 of them expected to be on hand for Friday’s opener and a few more arriving in town over the weekend.

As usual, opening weekend will be a learning process for the coaches and players, although they shouldn’t be rusty after a full spring college season.

And they can expect to be tested right from the get-go.

“Lincoln’s legit,” Crabs manager Robin Guiver said. “As good as anybody we’ll play all summer. They’re really good, but they’re in the same boat as we’re in. I don’t think they’ll have a full squad yet.”

This year’s Crabs team will feature a trio of local standouts, Ethan Fischel, Caleb Ruiz and Aidan Morris.

The Potters are managed by former Humboldt Crabs player, Ryan Stevens.

First pitch on Friday night is set for 7 p.m.

Tickets are pre-sale only and can be purchased through the teams website.

All the games will be streamed live on the team’s YouTube channel.