Submitted photo – Jerry Nutter

Friday night will be a special one for the Humboldt Crabs, as they get set to honor a club legend and his family.

Fondly referred to as the “man who saved the Crabs,” Jerry Nutter served as President of the team board for seven years and had a lasting impact on the popular local club.

Nutter and his family, many of whom played key roles with the club over the years, will all be honored before Friday’s game against the West Coast Kings at the Arcata Ball Park.

The special event gets under way at 6:45 p.m., with the game scheduled to start at 7.

“One of our missions is to preserve and build the tradition of Humboldt Crabs Baseball,” Crabs Vice President David Sharp said. “You can’t tell the story of Crabs baseball without mentioning the contributions of Jerry Nutter and his family.”

Friday’s event will include the unveiling of a “Nutter” baseball sign on the left field fence at the ball park, alongside those of fellow Crabs legends Lou Bonomini, Ned Barsuglia, and Shorty Ames.

The Nutter family’s influence on the club is widespread and they had a lasting impact on the team, which might not be around today without their dedication.

The Crabs were founded in 1945 by local baseball pioneer Bonomini “to provide affordable baseball to Humboldt County,” according to the club, and the tradition continued for years under the guidance of Barsuglia.

In 1995, Jerry and his son Matt set up an all-volunteer, non-profit board of directors to keep that North Coast summer tradition going and his longtime dedication to the team earned the title of the “man who saved the Crabs.”

The Arcata-based Crabs, who are playing in their 80th season, are the oldest continually-operated summer collegiate baseball team in the U.S.

According to a team press release announcing Friday’s event, “Jerry served as President of the board for seven years, handling everything from team scheduling to local advertising. He was an integral part of the board as well as the team’s day-to-day operations until his passing in 2012. 

“For Jerry, all details mattered from making sure the baseballs arrived at the park to ensuring that local products like beer and snacks were stocked in the snack bar.”

Jerry also regularly played banjo with the world famous Crab Grass Band, which always brings an added element to the atmosphere at the Arcata Ball Park.

Matt Nutter also was hugely influential with the Crabs for years.

He was a pitcher with the team from 1988 to 1991 and would go on to serve as vice president and manager of the club from 2006 to 2013, leading them to six championship seasons.

“It was an honor to be part of this tradition for 23 years, and being able to include my entire family in this experience was magical,” Matt Nutter said.

Matt’s wife Shandra also played a key role with the team for years and was fondly known as “team mom,” while their three daughters worked at games as they grew up. 

Jerry’s wife Karen also worked behind the scenes, sewing jerseys and contributing ideas to help improve the organization. 

“Jerry always said ‘We can never be too good not to improve,’” Karen said. “He was passionate about creating an unforgettable experience for all families and the entire Humboldt community.”

And the family connection with the Crabs doesn’t end there.

Jerry’s daughter, filmmaker Lynette Nutter, has produced and created videos celebrating the Crabs tradition.

“Every time I see someone wearing Crabs gear, I think of the wonderful legacy that’s embedded in our community,” Lynette said. “We are forever proud to join arms with Lou, Ned and my dad, as well as the many local team volunteers to continue this tradition for many years to come.”