Editing Coco Crisp

{{Short description|American baseball player (born 1979)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
| name       = Coco Crisp
| image      = Coco Crisp Oakland 2015.jpg
| image_size = 250
| caption    = Crisp with the Oakland Athletics in 2015
| position   = [[Outfielder]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|11|1}}
| birth_place = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.
| bats       = Switch
| throws     = Right
| debutleague = MLB
| debutdate  = August 15
| debutyear  = 2002
| debutteam  = Cleveland Indians
| finalleague = MLB
| finaldate  = October 2
| finalyear  = 2016
| finalteam  = Cleveland Indians
| statleague = MLB
| stat1label = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
| stat1value = .265
| stat2label = [[Home run]]s
| stat2value = 130
| stat3label = [[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
| stat3value = 639
| stat4label = [[Stolen base]]s
| stat4value = 309
| teams      = 
* [[Cleveland Indians]] ({{mlby|2002}}–{{mlby|2005}})
* [[Boston Red Sox]] ({{mlby|2006}}–{{mlby|2008}})
* [[Kansas City Royals]] ({{mlby|2009}})
* [[Oakland Athletics]] ({{mlby|2010}}–{{mlby|2016}})
* [[Cleveland Indians]] ({{mlby|2016}})
| awards     = 
* [[World Series champion]] ([[2007 World Series|2007]])
* [[List of Major League Baseball annual stolen base leaders|AL stolen base leader]] (2011)
}}
'''Covelli Loyce''' "'''Coco'''" '''Crisp''' (born November 1, 1979) is an American former professional [[baseball]] [[outfielder]] and [[Minor League Baseball|MiLB]] team manager. He played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[Cleveland Indians]], [[Boston Red Sox]], [[Kansas City Royals]], and [[Oakland Athletics]]. While primarily a [[center fielder]] throughout his career, Crisp also played [[left field]] for the Athletics and during his stints with the Indians. With the Red Sox, he won the [[2007 World Series]] over the [[Colorado Rockies]]. He served as manager of the [[Mahoning Valley Scrappers]] of the [[MLB Draft League]] in 2021.

==Early life==
Crisp was born in [[Los Angeles]] on November 1, 1979. He is the son of Loyce Crisp, a [[fast food]] restaurant owner and former amateur [[boxing|boxer]], and Pamela Crisp, a former champion [[Sprint (running)|sprinter]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dodd |first=Rustin |date=June 19, 2009 |title=Crisp shares a knockout story of his dad |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090616&content_id=5355628&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827144131/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090616&content_id=5355628&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=August 27, 2014 |access-date=August 27, 2014 |website=[[Kansas City Royals]] }}</ref> He graduated from [[Inglewood High School (California)|Inglewood High School]] in [[Inglewood, California]] before playing one season at [[Los Angeles Pierce College]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=The file on Coco Crisp |language=en |work=[[NBC Sports]] |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/athletics/file-coco-crisp |access-date=May 29, 2021}}</ref> Crisp is a graduate of Major League Baseball's [[Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities]] Program.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Platt |first=Ben |date=February 25, 2008 |title=MLB's RBI program enters 20th year &#124; MLB.com: News |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080224&content_id=2387908&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114210251/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080224&content_id=2387908&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb&fext=.jsp |archive-date=January 14, 2014 |access-date=February 7, 2014 |website=[[MLB.com]] }}</ref>  His maternal grandfather is [[Nick Newton]], [[Masters men high jump world record progression#Men 60|a masters high jump world record holder]] from 1994 to 1996 and inventor of cast aluminum [[starting blocks]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Ken |date=April 8, 2018 |title=Hundreds mourn Hall of Famer Nick Newton at 'last track meet' |url=http://masterstrack.com/hundreds-mourn-hall-of-famer-nick-newton-at-last-track-meet/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 29, 2021 |website=Masters' Track |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409025700/http://masterstrack.com/hundreds-mourn-hall-of-famer-nick-newton-at-last-track-meet/ |archive-date=April 9, 2018 }}</ref> He played on the 1995 Senior Division RBI World Series champions from Los Angeles.

===Nickname===
Crisp was originally nicknamed "Coco" by his sister who teased him that he looked like one of the characters on the [[Cocoa Krispies]] cereal box. The nickname was short-lived, until he started playing AA baseball when the team had all the players fill out a questionnaire to get to know one another.  Covelli listed "Coco" as his nickname on the form and his teammates thought the name was funny so they had it put on the scoreboard during the game.  He was traded to another team after a week and a half, but the nickname stuck and he has been "Coco Crisp" ever since. He officially changed his name on March 5, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Topic Index |url=http://multimedia.foxsports.com/m/video/22154323/how-covelli-became-coco.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004132653/http://multimedia.foxsports.com/m/video/22154323/how-covelli-became-coco.htm |archive-date=October 4, 2011 |access-date=February 7, 2014 |website=[[Fox Sports]]}}</ref>

==Minor league career==
The [[St. Louis Cardinals]] selected Crisp in the seventh round of the [[1999 MLB Draft]]. In his minor league career, Crisp played for Cardinals [[Minor League Baseball]] affiliates in four different leagues from 1999 to 2001 and was the Cardinals 2001 Minor League Player of the Year. He opened the 2002 season with the [[New Haven Ravens]], then the Double-A [[Eastern League (1938–2020)|Eastern League]] affiliate of the Cardinals. Crisp was traded to the [[Cleveland Indians]] on August 7, 2002, to complete an earlier trade for [[pitcher]] [[Chuck Finley]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Withers |first=Tom |date=August 6, 2002 |title=Indians Complete Deal, Get OF From Cards |url=https://www.cleveland19.com/story/885847/indians-complete-deal-get-of-from-cards |url-status=live |access-date=May 29, 2021 |website=[[WOIO]] |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603025329/https://www.cleveland19.com/story/885847/indians-complete-deal-get-of-from-cards/ |archive-date=June 3, 2021 }}</ref> In the Indians organization, he played for their Double-A affiliate, the Akron Aeros, and their Triple-A affiliate, the [[Buffalo Bisons]]. Crisp had 69 [[Hit (baseball)|hits]], one [[home run]], and 24 [[runs batted in]] (RBIs) before being called up by the Indians.{{cn|date=March 2023}}

==Major league career==

===Cleveland Indians===
Crisp became the starting center fielder with the Indians in mid-2002, replacing the injured [[Matt Lawton]]. For the next few seasons, Crisp established a reputation as an excellent fielder and speedy baserunner. Despite his success, Crisp had to fight for his roster spot each [[spring training|spring]]. In 2005, Crisp moved to [[left field]] following the emergence of another young outfielder, [[Grady Sizemore]]. In his final two seasons with the Indians, Crisp showcased his offensive talent by batting .297 and .300 with 31 total home runs and 35 [[stolen base|steals]].

===Boston Red Sox===
After [[Johnny Damon]] signed with the [[New York Yankees]], the Red Sox sought Crisp to fill Damon's role as both leadoff hitter and in center field. In January 2006, the Red Sox sent prospect [[third baseman]] [[Andy Marte]], pitcher [[Guillermo Mota]], [[catcher]] [[Kelly Shoppach]], a [[player to be named later]] (minor leaguer [[Randy Newsom]]), and cash considerations to the Indians for Crisp, catcher [[Josh Bard]] and pitcher [[David Riske]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=January 27, 2006 |title=Tribe finalizes two deals in a day |url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/1302209// |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523232209/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/1302209// |archive-date=May 23, 2017 |access-date=September 10, 2016 |website=[[MLB.com]] }}</ref>

[[File:Coco Crisp on September 9, 2007 (2).jpg|upright|thumb|right|Crisp playing for the [[Boston Red Sox]] in 2007.]]
On April 12, 2006, Crisp signed a three-year contract extension with the Red Sox worth $15.5 million.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 12, 2006 |title=Cuckoo for Coco: Red Sox, Crisp agree to extension |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2406515 |url-status=live |access-date=September 10, 2016 |website=[[ESPN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116083554/http://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2406515 |archive-date=January 16, 2017 }}</ref> Crisp broke his left index finger attempting to steal third base earlier in the month and spent the next 42 games on the [[disabled list]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2006 |title=Crisp returns to Boston lineup |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2461250 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213149/https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2461250 |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |access-date=May 29, 2021 |website=[[ESPN]]|agency=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> After returning to the Red Sox outfield on May 28, [[Kevin Youkilis]] had taken over the leadoff spot, and Crisp usually batted seventh or eighth in the [[Batting order (baseball)|line-up]] for the rest of the year. In 105 games, he had a .264 batting average with eight home runs and 36 RBI. Besides his injury, Crisp's 2006 season may be best remembered for a catch against the [[New York Mets]] on June 29.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 29, 2006 |title=Schilling beats Mets, helps BoSox win 12th straight |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/260629102 |url-status=live |access-date=May 29, 2021 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214434/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/260629102 |archive-date=June 2, 2021 }}</ref>

====2007 season====
Crisp began the 2007 season struggling offensively due to lingering effects of off season surgery to his left index finger. On April 20, 2007, Crisp fell over a short wall at [[Fenway Park]] while trying to catch a home run by [[Alex Rodriguez]].  Although he was unable to make the catch, missing by inches, he hit a game-tying [[Triple (baseball)|triple]] off [[Mariano Rivera]] in the bottom of the eighth, then scored the go-ahead run on [[Alex Cora]]'s soft line drive single. The Red Sox went on to win 7–6. During this season, he made numerous impressive catches in the outfield. It has even been claimed by one major league club that Crisp is easily the best defensive center fielder in all of Major League Baseball.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McAdam |first=Sean |date=June 27, 2007 |title=Coco's fielding mighty Crisp |url=http://www.projo.com/redsox/content/sp_bb_sox27_06-27-07_7065NV4.3ba22c6.html |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930023828/http://www.projo.com/redsox/content/sp_bb_sox27_06-27-07_7065NV4.3ba22c6.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |access-date=September 30, 2007 |website=[[The Providence Journal]] }}</ref> Although he struggled at the plate throughout much of the season, between June 13 and July 23, Crisp raised his batting average from .221 to .284, a .402 average during that span. On June 18, entering the game with only two home runs in the season, Crisp belted two homers in the first multi-HR game of his career in a 9–4 loss to the [[Atlanta Braves]].

On August 5, Crisp was almost run over by the [[Seattle Mariners]]' mascot, the [[Mariner Moose]]. The Moose, driving a lap around [[Safeco Field]]'s warning track on an [[All-Terrain Vehicle|ATV]], nearly collided with Crisp as he was leaving the [[dugout (baseball)|dugout]] for his position in the middle of the fifth inning; Crisp had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit. Red Sox pitching coach [[John Farrell (pitcher)|John Farrell]] was incensed by the mascot's actions and voiced his displeasure to both the mascot and Seattle's head groundskeeper. Immediately following the incident, the Red Sox received an apology from Mariners GM [[Bill Bavasi]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shaughnessy |first=Dan |date=August 6, 2007 |title=Their only close call was a moose on the loose |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2007/08/06/their_only_close_call_was_a_moose_on_the_loose/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 29, 2021 |website=[[The Boston Globe]] |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081119021326/http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2007/08/06/their_only_close_call_was_a_moose_on_the_loose/ |archive-date=November 19, 2008 }}</ref>

On October 21, in Game 7 of the [[2007 American League Championship Series|American League Championship Series]], Crisp made the catch that sent Boston to their second [[World Series]] in four seasons. He hit the wall shortly after making the catch, slightly injuring himself in the process. Despite this, he was well enough to play in the World Series.

Although he was the team's starting center fielder throughout the 2007 season, he was benched mid-series during the ALCS for rookie [[Jacoby Ellsbury]]. He remained benched for the [[2007 World Series]], only appearing late in games for defensive substitutions.

====2008 season====
[[File:Massive fenway brawl.jpg|thumb|[[Bench-clearing brawl]] on June 5, 2008.]]
On June 4, Crisp was the center of controversy in a game against the [[Tampa Bay Rays]]. While Crisp was trying to steal [[second base]] in the bottom of the sixth inning, Rays shortstop [[Jason Bartlett (baseball)|Jason Bartlett]] purposely placed his knee in front of the bag in an attempt to prevent Crisp from stealing the base.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gaddis |first=Carter |date=June 6, 2008 |title=Strikeouts Concern Maddon |work=[[The Tampa Tribune]] |url=http://www2.tbo.com/sports/sports/2008/jun/06/sp-strikeouts-concern-maddon-ar-136627/ |url-status=bot: unknown |access-date=October 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009073615/http://www2.tbo.com/sports/sports/2008/jun/06/sp-strikeouts-concern-maddon-ar-136627/ |archive-date=October 9, 2012 }}</ref> Crisp stole the base, but was not happy with this. On base again in the bottom of the eighth inning, he attempted another steal, this time taking out second baseman [[Akinori Iwamura]] on a hard slide. His slide was controversial and catalyzed the "payback pitch" the following game. During a pitching change in that inning, Rays manager [[Joe Maddon]] and Crisp argued, with Crisp in the dugout and Maddon on the pitching mound. After the game, Crisp said that he thought Bartlett would cover the bag, instead he (Bartlett) chose to tell Iwamura to take the throw in the eighth inning. Crisp described Bartlett's knee in front of the bag as a "Dirty" play.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Joe |date=June 5, 2008 |title=Red Sox retake first from Rays 5–1 |work=[[St. Petersburg Times]] |url=http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/article607891.ece |url-status=dead |access-date=April 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109214013/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/article607891.ece |archive-date=November 9, 2011}}</ref> During the next game, with Crisp at bat in the bottom of the second inning, and the Sox up 3–1, Rays starter [[James Shields (baseball)|James Shields]] hit him on the thigh on the second pitch. Crisp [[Charging the mound|charged the mound]] and first dodged a punch from Shields, and then threw a glancing punch at Shields, which set off a [[bench-clearing brawl]]. Crisp, [[Jonny Gomes]], and Shields were ejected from the game.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ortiz |first=Jorge L. |date=June 6, 2008 |title=Even MVPs can be benched for not hustling |work=[[USA Today]] |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/dailypitch/2008-06-06-rollins-hustle_N.htm |access-date=June 6, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Benjamin |first=Amalie |author-link=Amalie Benjamin |date=June 6, 2008 |title=Red Sox outfight Rays: Brawl precedes Ellsbury injury |work=[[Boston Globe]] |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2008/06/06/red_sox_outfight_rays/ |access-date=June 27, 2008}}</ref> Major League Baseball suspended Crisp for seven games due to his actions in the brawl.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 7, 2008 |title=National Sports Briefs |work=[[Salisbury Post]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=http://www.salisburypost.com/Sports/0607-national |url-status=bot: unknown |access-date=June 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080608101716/http://www.salisburypost.com/Sports/0607-national |archive-date=June 8, 2008 }}</ref> Upon appeal, the suspension was reduced to five games, which he had served as of June 28, 2008.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Edes |first=Gordon |author-link=Gordon Edes |date=June 27, 2008 |title=Crisp suspension reduced |work=[[Boston Globe]] |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/06/crisp_suspensio.html |access-date=June 27, 2008}}</ref> In Game 5 of the [[2008 American League Championship Series|ALCS]], Crisp had a game-tying hit in the bottom of the eighth inning to cap Boston's seven-run comeback. Boston would go on to win the game 8–7 with a walk-off single in the ninth inning by [[J. D. Drew]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 17, 2008 |title=Drew's game-winning single keeps Red Sox alive in ALCS |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/281016102 |url-status=dead |access-date=May 30, 2021 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213405/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/281016102 |archive-date=June 2, 2021 }}</ref> but eventually lost the series in seven games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chastain |first=Bill |date=October 20, 2008 |title=Magnificent 7: Rays amaze, top Sox |url=http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081019&content_id=3631606&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305212920/http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081019&content_id=3631606&vkey=recap&c_id=tb&fext=.jsp |archive-date=March 5, 2014 |access-date=May 30, 2021 |website=[[Tampa Bay Rays]] }}</ref>

[[File:Coco Crisp 2009 spring (1).jpg|upright|thumb|left|Crisp with the Kansas City Royals in 2009 [[spring training]].]]

===Kansas City Royals===
On November 19, 2008, Crisp was traded to the [[Kansas City Royals]] for relief pitcher [[Ramón Ramírez (Dominican pitcher)|Ramón Ramírez]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2008 |title=Royals acquire Coco Crisp from Red Sox for Ramon Ramirez |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20081119&content_id=3684505&vkey=pr_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607065650/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20081119&content_id=3684505&vkey=pr_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=June 7, 2009 |access-date=February 7, 2014 |website=[[Kansas City Royals]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

During his lone season with the Royals, Crisp started off hot, hitting well over .300 before his [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]]  fell to a career low .228 due to shoulder injuries. On June 23, 2009, Royals manager [[Trey Hillman]] announced that Crisp would receive season ending surgeries to repair a [[shoulder|labrum]] tear in both shoulders.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |date=June 23, 2009 |title=Crisp to miss remainder of season |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090623&content_id=5485036&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221215039/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090623&content_id=5485036&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |access-date=February 7, 2014 |website=[[Kansas City Royals]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

===Oakland Athletics===
After the 2009 season, Crisp signed a one-year contract with the [[Oakland Athletics]] worth $5 million, with a club option for 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eagle |first=Ed |date=December 20, 2009 |title=Athletics close to deal with Crisp |url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091220&content_id=7833744&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221214647/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091220&content_id=7833744&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |access-date=February 7, 2014 |website=[[Oakland Athletics]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 23, 2009 |title=A's agree to terms with OF Coco Crisp on one-year contract |url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20091223&content_id=7850074&vkey=pr_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221214645/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20091223&content_id=7850074&vkey=pr_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |access-date=February 7, 2014 |website=[[Oakland Athletics]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]] }}</ref> Crisp began the 2010 season on the 15-day DL with a fractured left pinkie finger.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 3, 2010 |title=Oakland A's Coco Crisp (fractured pinkie) to start year on disabled list |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/spring2010/news/story?id=5053101&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines |url-status=live |access-date=February 7, 2014 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629214725/http://sports.espn.go.com:80/mlb/spring2010/news/story?id=5053101&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines |archive-date=June 29, 2012 }}</ref>

Crisp entered the 2011 season exercising his one-year option with the [[Oakland Athletics]]. On August 24, Crisp homered from both sides of the plate against the [[New York Yankees]]. In that game, he hit a game-winning three-run home run in the top of the 10th inning on the first pitch he saw against reliever [[Rafael Soriano]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fucillo |first=David |date=November 8, 2010 |title=Oakland Athletics Exercise Coco Crisp, Mark Ellis Options, Decline Eric Chavez Option |url=http://bayarea.sbnation.com/oakland-athletics/2010/11/8/1802186/oakland-athletics-exercise-coco-crisp-mark-ellis-options-decline-eric-chavez |url-status=live |access-date=February 7, 2014 |website=Bay Area |publisher=[[SB Nation]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210060434/http://bayarea.sbnation.com:80/oakland-athletics/2010/11/8/1802186/oakland-athletics-exercise-coco-crisp-mark-ellis-options-decline-eric-chavez |archive-date=December 10, 2010 }}</ref> He finished the season with an AL-leading 49 stolen bases.

Crisp re-signed with Athletics on January 3, 2012, on a two-year, $14 million deal with a club option for 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olney |first=Buster |date=January 3, 2012 |title=Source: Veteran Crisp has 2-year deal with A's |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7421038/coco-crisp-sign-oakland-athletics-source-says |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212817/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7421038/coco-crisp-sign-oakland-athletics-source-says |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |access-date=May 30, 2021 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en}}</ref> Crisp had received other offers from clubs such as the [[Baltimore Orioles]] and [[Chicago White Sox]] as well, but declined them both.<ref>{{Cite news |title=AP Source: CF Coco Crisp agrees to deal with A's |work=[[The Boston Globe]] |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/articles/2012/01/03/ap_source_cf_coco_crisp_agrees_to_deal_with_as/}} {{Dead link|date=May 2021}}</ref>

On October 10, 2012, in Game 4 of the [[2012 American League Division Series]] against the [[Detroit Tigers]], Crisp came to bat in the bottom of the ninth inning.  The score was tied 3–3, there were two outs and a runner on second base ([[Seth Smith]]). The A's were down 3–1 entering the inning, but subsequently tied the game with three straight hits off Detroit pitcher [[José Valverde]], thus setting the stage for Crisp.  He came through with a walk-off single to right field that scored Smith, giving the A's a 4–3 win and forcing a decisive Game 5.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ortiz |first=Jorge L. |date=October 11, 2012 |title=Oakland's walk-off win forces a Game 5 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2012/10/11/atletics-tigers-alds-game-4/1626163/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 30, 2021 |website=[[USA Today]] |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011074719/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2012/10/11/atletics-tigers-alds-game-4/1626163/ |archive-date=October 11, 2012 }}</ref> On October 11, 2012, the Tigers finished off the series with a 6–0 victory over the A's.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2012 |title=Verlander, Tigers eliminate A's in Game 5 |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/oakland-athletics-eliminated-by-detroit-tigers-in-game-5-1.4104624 |url-status=live |access-date=May 30, 2021 |website=[[Newsday]] |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212713/https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/oakland-athletics-eliminated-by-detroit-tigers-in-game-5-1.4104624 |archive-date=June 2, 2021 }}</ref>

After the 2013 season, the Athletics exercised their club option on Crisp for the 2014 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2014 |title=Coco Crisp staying with A's |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/10419854/coco-crisp-oakland-athletics-agree-two-year-extension-2275-million |url-status=live |access-date=February 7, 2014 |website=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207232651/http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/10419854/coco-crisp-oakland-athletics-agree-two-year-extension-2275-million |archive-date=February 7, 2014 }}</ref> Before the 2014 season, Crisp signed an extension with the Athletics covering the 2015 and 2016 seasons. The contract guaranteed him $11&nbsp;million in each of the 2015 and 2016 seasons, and had a vesting option for the 2017 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Slusser |first=Susan |author-link=Susan Slusser |date=February 7, 2014 |title=Coco Crisp signs two-year extension, with 2017 option |url=http://blog.sfgate.com/athletics/2014/02/07/coco-crisp-signs-two-year-extension-with-2017-option/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 7, 2014 |website=[[SFGate]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209190030/http://blog.sfgate.com/athletics/2014/02/07/coco-crisp-signs-two-year-extension-with-2017-option/ |archive-date=February 9, 2014 }}</ref> Crisp's playing time was reduced in 2016, leading him to believe that the Athletics were intentionally preventing his 2017 option from vesting.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Slusser |first=Susan |date=August 15, 2016 |title=Coco Crisp 'hurt,' believes A's trying to prevent option |url=http://www.sfchronicle.com/athletics/article/Coco-Crisp-hurt-believes-A-s-trying-to-9144648.php |url-status=live |access-date=August 23, 2016 |website=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817190425/http://www.sfchronicle.com/athletics/article/Coco-Crisp-hurt-believes-A-s-trying-to-9144648.php |archive-date=August 17, 2016 }}</ref>

In 2015, he batted a career-low .175 and had the lowest on-base percentage (.252) and slugging percentage (.222) of his career, as on defense he played exclusively in left field.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Coco Crisp Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/coco-crisp-424825 |url-status=live |access-date=May 30, 2021 |website=[[MLB.com]] |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116033006/https://www.mlb.com/player/coco-crisp-424825 |archive-date=November 16, 2018 }}</ref>

===Return to Cleveland===
[[File:2016-10-10 Coco Crisp with Cleveland 02.jpg|thumb|right|Crisp taking [[batting practice]] before game three of the [[2016 American League Division Series]]]]
On August 31, 2016, the Athletics traded Crisp with cash considerations to the Indians for [[Colt Hynes]]. Before he agreed to waive his no-trade clause, [[Chris Antonetti]], the Indians' [[general manager (baseball)|general manager]], spoke with Crisp to tell him that he would not receive enough playing time in Cleveland for his option to vest.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoynes |first=Paul |date=August 31, 2016 |title=Coco Crisp, the anti-Lucroy, could have nixed trade to Cleveland Indians, but didn't |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2016/08/coco_crisp_the_anti-lucroy_cou.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2016 |website=[[Cleveland Plain Dealer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902000407/http://www.cleveland.com:80/tribe/index.ssf/2016/08/coco_crisp_the_anti-lucroy_cou.html |archive-date=September 2, 2016 }}</ref> In 2016, he batted .208 for Cleveland.<ref name=":0" />

On October 10, 2016, against the [[Boston Red Sox]] in Game 3 of the [[ALDS]], Crisp hit a go-ahead two-run home run, which would eventually be the game-winner after the Indians won 4–3. The Indians' win propelled them to the [[ALCS]] against the [[Toronto Blue Jays]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sheldon |first=Corey |date=October 11, 2016 |title=MLB playoffs: Cleveland sweeps Red Sox |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/mlb/2016/10/mlb_playoffs_boston_red_sox_vs_2.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 30, 2021 |website=[[The Oregonian]] |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215042/https://www.oregonlive.com/mlb/2016/10/mlb_playoffs_boston_red_sox_vs_2.html |archive-date=June 2, 2021 }}</ref> It was Crisp's second career postseason home run. However, he and the Indians could not hold on in the World Series, losing the series in seven games to the [[Chicago Cubs]].

==Post-playing career==
Crisp became a free agent following the 2016 season after he failed to meet the contractual incentives that would have caused his vesting option for 2017 to trigger. In July 2017, Crisp became the head coach of the [[Shadow Hills High School]] baseball team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arthur |first=Blake |date=July 10, 2017 |title=Former MLB player Coco Crisp named new head baseball coach at Shadow Hills |url=http://www.kesq.com/sports/former-mlb-player-coco-crisp-named-head-coach-of-shadow-hills-high-school-baseball-team/585095274 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629161750/http://www.kesq.com/sports/former-mlb-player-coco-crisp-named-head-coach-of-shadow-hills-high-school-baseball-team/585095274 |archive-date=June 29, 2018 |access-date=August 24, 2017 |website=[[KESQ-TV]]}}</ref> In June 2019, Crisp resigned as head coach after two years due to him and his family moving.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powers |first=Shad |date=June 6, 2019 |title=Coco Crisp steps down as head coach for Shadow Hills High School baseball team |url=https://www.desertsun.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2019/06/06/coco-crisp-steps-down-head-coach-shadow-hills-high-school-baseball-team/1371079001/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 30, 2021 |website=[[The Desert Sun]] |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930144132/https://www.desertsun.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2019/06/06/coco-crisp-steps-down-head-coach-shadow-hills-high-school-baseball-team/1371079001/ |archive-date=September 30, 2020 }}</ref>

In February 2019, it was announced that Crisp would be joining the [[Oakland Athletics Radio Network]] as a part-time [[color analyst]], working alongside [[Ken Korach]] and [[Vince Cotroneo]] in the booth for 33 games in the 2019 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Jane |date=February 19, 2019 |title=Crisp joining A's radio team as analyst |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/coco-crisp-joins-as-radio-team-as-analyst/c-304174790 |url-status=live |access-date=February 25, 2019 |website=[[MLB.com]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220065405/https://www.mlb.com/news/coco-crisp-joins-as-radio-team-as-analyst/c-304174790 |archive-date=February 20, 2019 }}</ref> In 2020, Crisp became the bench coach for the [[Cerritos College]] baseball team.<ref name=":1" />

On April 12, 2021, Crisp was announced as the manager of the [[Mahoning Valley Scrappers]] for the inaugural season of the [[MLB Draft League]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rosenbaum |first=Mike |date=April 12, 2021 |title=MLB DRAFT LEAGUE ANNOUNCES MANAGERS FOR 2021 SEASON |url=https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/PBR/MLB-Draft-League-announces-managers-for-2021-season-4720163859 |url-status=live |access-date=May 30, 2021 |website=Prep Baseball Report|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412160110/https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/PBR/MLB-Draft-League-announces-managers-for-2021-season-4720163859 |archive-date=April 12, 2021 }}</ref> On January 17, 2022, Crisp was hired by the [[Washington Nationals]] organization as part of the team's player development staff.<ref name="e799">{{cite web | last=Motley III | first=King W.| title=Nationals hire Coco Crisp, Bill Mueller to coaching staff | website=DC Sports King | date=2022-01-18 | url=http://dcsportsking.com/2022/01/17/nationals-hire-coco-crisp-bill-mueller-to-coaching-staff/ | access-date=2024-10-29}}</ref>

==Playing style==
Crisp was known for having great range in center field, but also for having a below average throwing arm. At the height of his career, Crisp was considered one of the best base-stealers in the game and a generally aggressive baserunner. He owns the Athletics franchise record for most consecutive stolen bases without being caught.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 19, 2012 |title=Coco Crisp continues to improve franchise record |url=http://www.kffl.com/gnews.php?id=793714-athletics-coco-crisp-continues-to-improve-franchise-record |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821111008/http://www.kffl.com/gnews.php?id=793714-athletics-coco-crisp-continues-to-improve-franchise-record |archive-date=August 21, 2014 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |website=KFFL }}</ref> He was known to be a good "small-ball" type player because of his good bunting skills but also had respectable power. Crisp had also only been hit by a pitch five times in his fifteen-year career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weinberg |first=Neil |date=January 13, 2017 |title=The Man Who Hasn't Been Hit in Almost Six Years |url=http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-man-who-hasnt-been-hit-in-almost-six-years/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 14, 2017 |website=[[FanGraphs]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114201942/http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-man-who-hasnt-been-hit-in-almost-six-years/ |archive-date=January 14, 2017 }}</ref>

==Personal life==
Crisp is of Italian, African-American and Puerto Rican descent. His father is of Puerto Rican and Italian descent and his mother is African American. He is separated and has four children: three sons and a daughter. He and his family used to live in [[Rancho Mirage, California]] but now they all live in the [[Calabasas, California|Calabasas]] area.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murphy |first=Rosalie |date=May 23, 2016 |title=Coco Crisp selling Rancho Mirage mansion for $9.99M |work=[[The Desert Sun]] |publisher=[[USA Today]] Network |location=[[Palm Springs, California]] |url=http://www.desertsun.com/story/money/real-estate/2016/05/23/coco-crisp-rancho-mirage-house/84676414/ |access-date=May 24, 2016}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Baseballstats|mlb=424825|espn=5299|br=c/crispco01|fangraphs=1572|brm=crisp-001cov|retro=C/Pcrisc001}}
* {{Twitter}}

{{2007 Boston Red Sox}}
{{AL stolen base champions}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Crisp, Coco}}
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:African-American baseball players]]
[[Category:Águilas Cibaeñas players]]
[[Category:American expatriate baseball players in the Dominican Republic]]
[[Category:Akron Aeros players]]
[[Category:American League stolen base champions]]
[[Category:American people of Italian descent]]
[[Category:American sportspeople of Puerto Rican descent]]
[[Category:Baseball coaches from California]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Boston Red Sox players]]
[[Category:Buffalo Bisons (minor league) players]]
[[Category:Cleveland Indians players]]
[[Category:Johnson City Cardinals players]]
[[Category:Kansas City Royals players]]
[[Category:LAPC Brahma Bulls baseball players]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball outfielders]]
[[Category:New Haven Ravens players]]
[[Category:New Jersey Cardinals players]]
[[Category:Oakland Athletics announcers]]
[[Category:Oakland Athletics players]]
[[Category:Pawtucket Red Sox players]]
[[Category:People from Desert Hot Springs, California]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Rancho Mirage, California]]
[[Category:Peoria Chiefs players]]
[[Category:Potomac Cannons players]]
[[Category:Sacramento River Cats players]]
[[Category:Stockton Ports players]]
[[Category:Inglewood High School (California) alumni]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]
[[Category:Cerritos Falcons baseball coaches]]
[[Category:African-American baseball coaches]]