Embedded Files
No-hitter baseball
No-Hitter Baseball from 1991
No-Hitter Baseball from 1991
Donor: Joe Grimme, Class of 1991
Author: Jayla Gaines, class of 2029, Lillian Donelan, class of 2029, Ben Brashear, class of 2028, and Reese Wilkens, class of 2026
Story Contributor: Joe Grimme, Class of 1991, Keith Clasgens (Video Banner)
Web Page Designer: Lilly Ahlfeld, class of 2028
It's 1991, first home game, senior year, and the team was up against the Holmes Bulldogs. This was the first official home game on the new field at Highland Park, as well as a pitcher’s dream… a no-hitter, creating Highlands history. It would be years later when another no-hitter was pitched at Highland Park by a senior in a victory over Newport. What could the two no-hitters have in common? Same field, same accomplishment, same last name…they were father and son.
The no-hitter baseball from 1991.
Joe Grimme pitching for Highlands, 1991.
The story of Highland’s no-hitters is more than just a pair of standout games—it’s a legacy. In 1991, senior pitcher Joe Grimme made history by throwing the first no-hitter ever on Highlands' new home field at Highland Park. Nearly three decades later, in 2019, his son Steven Grimme, also a senior, took the same mound and delivered a no-hitter of his own in a victory over Newport. The rare feat not only ties two moments of Highland baseball history together but also connects a father and son through a shared achievement that has become part of the program’s tradition.
“That was pretty special… and I’m even more proud when I got to see him throw the no-hitter, it was one of the highlights of any game that I've ever seen him pitch or even play before,” Joe Grimme said.
The shared accomplishment may tie the two together, but the field itself tells a story of its own—a field that looks far different today than it did when Joe first took the mound.
“The park was kind of a dump, all dirt infield, grass outfield, of course, one straight aluminum bench for each team, no dugouts, no locker room like they have now, nothing compared to what it is today,” Joe said.
Major improvements have been made.
“Now there's a turf infield, well-maintained outfield, nice fence, backstop, dugouts, it has come a long way since 1991,” Joe added.
Joe Grimme pitching at Tower Park, prior to games held at Highland Park.
Along with differences in the facilities from then to now, the baseball teams and all sports teams have access to weight rooms, training programs, etc.
“The facilities, with time as it passes things become better, technology helps, but there was no field house, no Highland Park, no weight rooms. We had team practices and games, but a lot of the individual instruction wasn't available like it is today,” (Joe).
Not only did Steven and Joe have a good bond with their achievements, but Joe grew into baseball largely because of his own father.
“When I was a kid, I started playing in the yard with my dad and then really became fond of the sport, and he started coaching me in 2nd grade(on a team called the Stars). I just really enjoyed the sport overall and being with my buddies, and the time I had with him growing up,”(Joe).
“He wasn't the best athlete, but he was a great coach, and it was great to play for him.”
His father was his first and longest coach, shaping not only his skills but his love for the sport. He loved his time with his dad so much, he decided to continue the tradition with his three sons by coaching a different team for each son, called the Fort Thomas Stars, defined by different uniform colors originating with Highlands blue, then red, and lastly black.
Steven Grimme pitching for Highlands, 2019.
In the Grimme family, baseball isn’t just a pastime; it’s the glue that’s bound three generations together, with more sure to follow.
“He (Steven) was as obsessed with baseball as I was in high school, and it was neat to see. I know there have been other no-hitters, but it's rare, I think, that you have a father and a son that both played for the same high school, and I was proud to see that,” (Joe).
Page updated
Report abuse