By Ray Hamill — Khloe Smith returned with a bang in 2025. After missing most of her junior season because of injury, the Del Norte standout was back on the field this […]
Smith returns with a bang, earns Player of the Year honors
barstoolfanatics
At the age of 10, having failed in his lifelong ambition to become a vigilante vampire werewolf – otherwise known as a vamp-wolf – Ray Hamill finally admitted defeat and turned his attention full-time to daydreaming instead.
A mere few decades later, the world of crime fighting’s loss is now the literary world’s gain.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Ray moved to the United States after graduating college, spending time in Boston and San Francisco before settling among the redwoods in Northern California, where he has worked as a journalist for the past 20 years.
In that time he has published three books, including his most recent, Help, My Horse is Drowning!, a humorous look at the world of sports and the life of the enthusiastically delusional athlete in us all.
He previously published the outrageously satirical Free the Leprechauns! as well as the semi-autobiographical Help Me, Im Irish! - a book about the non-meaning of life.
Ray is also the host of a weekly sports talk radio show broadcast locally in Northern California on Blue Ox Community Radio, and a sports blog at barstoolfanatics.com.
Crabs takes series decider at Lincoln, go 3-3 on tough road trip
All in all, it wasn’t a bad start to the Pacific Empire League for the Humboldt Crabs. For the second straight year, the Crabs opened league play with a challenging road trip […]
Racing fans enjoy action-packed weekend at Redwood Acres Raceway
Local racing fans were treated to two nights of action at the Redwood Acres Raceway over the weekend, with races on Friday and Saturday nights because of the Redwood Acres Fair. Friday […]
Ghisetti, Todd overcome challenges on path to success
By Ray Hamill — It was another memorable season on the local high school baseball and softball fields for many of the H-DNL teams. And guiding the way were the local high […]
BASEBALL ROUNDUP — Giants continue to roll; young Wild Cactus impress again
The Northern Humboldt Giants continued their impressive season over the weekend, winning all three of their games at their own tournament. On Sunday, they capped three big days of tournament play with […]
Eagles 19Us kick off busy weekend with doubleheader in Petlaluma
A busy weekend for the Humboldt Eagles 19Us got under way on Saturday, with the local club playing a pair of games in Petaluma. The Eagles opened with an 11-7 loss to […]
Warriors sweep baseball, softball Team of the Year honors
By Ray Hamill — It was a spring the Del Norte Warriors won’t easily forget. The Big 5 school swept the conference championships in baseball and softball with outstanding seasons for both […]
Giants to play for tournament championship; Southern Humboldt 76ers win
The Northern Humboldt Giants will play for the championship of their own tournament on Sunday after a 6-5 win over Sutter in semifinal action on Saturday. The eight-team three-day tournament, which is […]
Cal Poly Humboldt, College of the Redwoods to host coaches clinic
The Cal Poly Humboldt and College of the Redwoods athletic departments are joining forces to present a free coaching clinic this summer. The event will be held at Lumberjack Arena on the […]
Crabs deliver in extra innings, end the Potters’ long winning streak
When the Crabs play the Lincoln Potters, the two clubs rarely disappoint. And that was the case once again on Friday night in the opening game of a weekend series in Lincoln, […]
From one championship team to another, Conant makes college decision
By Ray Hamill —If the past few years are any indication, Angelina Conant will bring a tenacity and determination like few other players to the college soccer fields. On Tuesday, after four […]
TEAM OF THE WEEK — Padres step up on way to TOC title
By Ray Hamill — It was a good week for one local team in particular. On Tuesday night, the Padres ended a seven-year wait for Redwood Empire Little League by winning the […]
Another record-setting day for Collenberg at Nike Nationals
The local high school track and field season ended a few weeks ago, but Arcata’s Skyler Collenberg is continuing to make waves. This week, Collenberg traveled to compete at the Nike Outdoor […]
Crabs drop series decider against Prune Packers, get set for Potters
The Healdsburg Prune Packers won Thursday’s rubber game against the Crabs, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first on the way to a 10-5 victory. The loss was the second […]
Padres end seven-year RELL wait for District 26 TOC title
By Ray Hamill — Playing on one of the biggest stages of their young careers, the Redwood Empire Little League Padres rose to the occasion this week. The young Padres won all […]
LEGION ROUNDUP — Tournament to cap busy week for local clubs
The local American legion baseball season is building momentum, with all of the local teams in action this week. On Tuesday evening, the Humboldt Eagles 19U team got the better of the […]
Crabs rally late to top the Prune Packers for first PEL victory
The Humboldt Crabs wasted little time putting Tuesday’s league-opening loss to the Healdsburg Prune Packers behind them. On Wednesday, the Crabs returned to winning ways with a thrilling 6-3 win at Healdsburg […]
Humboldt Sports Baseball Player of the Year finalists
By Ray Hamill — It was another fun year on the local high school baseball fields with lots of excitement, a breakthrough championship and a thrilling Charles Lakin tournament final. And with […]
Humboldt Sports Softball Player of the Year Finalists
By Ray Hamill — It’s almost time to announce the 2025 Humboldt Sports Softball Player of the Year. It was another exciting season on the H-DNL fields, with one team solidifying its […]
Del Norte All-Stars advance to third straight state tournament
The dynasty is alive and well. On Tuesday night, the Del Norte 12-year-old Little League All-Stars won an Oregon District 8 championship for the third straight year, defeating Central Point 11-1 in […]
