Kentucky State’s Joe Crisp Tosses No-Hitter – Defeats Clark-Atlanta University 3–0

February 17, 2019 Off By Michael

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Kentucky State in the winner’s circle after defeating Clark-Atlanta University 3–0 in a pitchers duel February 16, 2019. Photo ©2019 Harold Michael Harvey

They have been playing baseball since 1888 at Clark-Atlanta University. In fact, the first matchup between two Black college teams pitted Clark College against Atlanta University. The two schools consolidated 100 years later to become Clark-Atlanta University. Perhaps, few games have been as exciting as the Kentucky State University match against Clark-Atlanta University on February 16, 2019.

Joe Crisp, at five feet and nine inches on a 155-pound frame, tossed his first collegiate no-hitter, striking out nine and winning the game 3–0. The 20-year-old married computer science major was in control of the game from the first pitch until the last.

Joe Crisp was working his magic in Atlanta tonight. He tossed his first collegiate no-hitter in a 3–0 win over Clark-Atlanta University, February 16, 2019. Photo ©2019 Harold Michael Harvey

“I am very proud of my guys,” Head Baseball Coach Rob Henry said following his team’s victory. The Thoroughbreds are undefeated with four wins and one tie.

Crisp, matched in a pitcher’s duel with CAU’s John Nettles, said he was prepared to pitch as many innings as it took to secure the win for KSU. In last season’s Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Tournament, Crisp pitched 18 innings in three days. In that tournament, KSU lost the championship game to Albany State University. They are expected to compete for the title again this year.

“He will pitch every day if I let him,” Coach Henry said.

“I had my fastball and slider working for me today,” Crisp said, adding, “I only threw two curves, but my slider had so much bite on it that it looked like a curveball.”

CAU’s John Nettles breaking off a curveball to a KSU batter. He struck out 11 batters in a 3–0 loss. Photo ©2019 Harold Michael Harvey

Across the diamond, for seven innings, John Nettles was equally superb for CAU. Nettles with an assortment of breaking pitches struck out 11 batters. A defensive error in the top of the eight (this was scheduled as a seven-inning game) on a grounder hit to third base opened the door for KSU to break the ice.

Nettles from Marrow, Georgia is a preseason selection as a Second Team All-SIAC pitcher. Also, he made second-team All HBCU pitcher in a poll conducted by Black College Nines.

After hitting a triple in the third, Jay Poullard is napped at the plate on a throw from short. Photo © Harold Michael Harvey

Jay Poullard, a senior from Louisville’s Ballard High, was the hitting star for KSU. He collected three hits off Nettles.

Next weekend, Clark-Atlanta University will renew the oldest HBCU baseball rivalry when they host Morehouse College. The two schools have been playing baseball since 1892.

Harold Michael Harvey is an American novelist and essayist. He is a Contributor at The Hill, SCLC National Magazine, Southern Changes Magazine, Medium, and Black College Nines. He can be contacted at hmharvey@haroldmichaelharvey.comS


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About The Author

Harold Michael Harvey is a Past President of The Gate City Bar Association and is the recipient of the Association’s R. E. Thomas Civil Rights Award. He is the author of Paper Puzzle and Justice in the Round: Essays on the American Jury System, and a two-time winner of Allvoices’ Political Pundit Prize. His work has appeared in Facing South, The Atlanta Business Journal, The Southern Christian Leadership Conference Magazine, Southern Changes Magazine, Black Colleges Nines, and Medium.