Humboldt Crabs Baseball – Jeff Giacomini has been named the Humboldt Crabs’ new manager.

The Humboldt Crabs wasted no time finding the man they believe can continue the team’s storied tradition.

And they didn’t have to go far to do so.

On Friday afternoon, the local collegiate summer club named former Crabs player and assistant coach Jeff Giacomini as the team’s new manager.

Giacomini was a three-time MVP with the team as a player and has served as an assistant coach at the Arcata Ball Park for the past four seasons.

He replaces longtime manager Robin Guiver, who announced he was stepping down from the position less than three weeks ago after nine years in charge in order to spend more time with his family.

“It feels great, I’m extremely excited and ready to get going,” Giacomini said in a press release announcing the news. “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, who also has served as head coach of the Eureka Loggers, becomes the Crabs’ ninth manager and has a long association with the popular North Coast club.

As a player, he was the team’s MVP in 2007, 2008, and 2009. 

After playing two years professionally, he returned to be an assistant coach under Matt Nutter and 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, and the Crabs are a big reason he and his wife Mona decided on building a life in the area.

“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 during his playing days for the Crabs.

Giacomini added that both he and Guiver, who was the team manager for the past nine years, believe a seamless transition is important to the team as the Crabs look to get over the hump and win the Pacific Empire League after coming close in each of the past two summers.

“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 team, saying this hire sets the Crabs up well for the future.

“I look forward to an exciting new era in Humboldt Crabs history with Jeff Giacomini at the helm,” she said. “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.”