Eric Krebs

ALPENA — Eric Krebs, a proud member of the Alpena High School Class of 1970, left an indelible mark on Northeast Michigan’s sports landscape through decades of dedication as a player, coach, and umpire. A multi-sport standout for the Wildcats, Krebs’ athletic career is defined not only by skill and accomplishments but by humility, teamwork, and a lifelong love for the game.

Now, his athletic career is being recognized as he will be inducted into the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame on June 7.

Krebs’ journey began early, making waves on Alpena’s Junior Babe Ruth All-Star teams from 1966 to 1968, including a state championship victory in 1967. He continued his impressive trajectory as the starting catcher for the Senior Babe Ruth All-Star teams from 1969 to 1971.

At Alpena High School, he earned varsity letters in both football and baseball, starting four years on the diamond. His leadership and talent extended to the gridiron, where he was recognized as a Class A all-state honorable mention in his senior year.

Reflecting on those formative years, Krebs said, “Memories of team sports and playing as a team were my favorite moments. Pushing myself to my limits of endurance and striving to help the team win defined who I was.”

After high school, Krebs continued his baseball career at Olivet College, where he cemented his legacy. Becoming the starting catcher as a freshman, he never missed a game in four years. He earned first-team All-MIAA honors once and was named to the second team twice.

For Krebs, catching wasn’t just a position — it was a responsibility.

“Catching is the only position where you’re looking out while the rest of the team is looking in,” he said. “The catcher is the nucleus of the team. We control the flow, the positioning, the pitcher’s strategy — it all runs through us.”

After college, Krebs remained deeply connected to Alpena’s athletic scene. He played in the Alpena County League for several teams, keeping his competitive spirit alive. In 1976, he opened the Alpena Racquet Club and later went on to work for the Besser Company, contributing to the local community in new ways.

But the diamond called him back in another role: umpiring. As a certified Michigan High School Athletic Association umpire, Krebs became a respected figure throughout Northeast Michigan. He brought not only experience but also a philosophy about the role of umpires in the game.

“The best game I ever umpired was one where someone asked, ‘Who was the ump?'” he said. “That’s when you know you did your job well — you were heard but hardly seen.”

Perhaps the pinnacle of his umpiring career came in 2000, when Krebs was selected to work the prestigious East-West Michigan High School All-Star Game at Comerica Park. Serving as third base umpire alongside Curt Smith, Dave Kuznicki, and Bill Romstadt, the experience left a lasting impression.

“To be at Comerica Park, where players like Kaline, Cash, and Freehan once stood — it was awe-inspiring,” he recalled. “It sent chills down my spine.”

Krebs has witnessed the evolution of youth sports firsthand.

“Today’s players have more intensity and are more specialized,” he noted. “Winning becomes the focus, but the best players understand it’s also about respect for the opponent and for the game.”

Despite decades of success, Krebs remains humble about his achievements.

“It’s very humbling, really,” he said. “When you look at the people you’re following and being considered in that same category — it’s humbling.”

Whether crouched behind the plate, calling balls and strikes, or mentoring the next generation, Krebs exemplifies what it means to love the game.