Dock Ellis: The Man Who Pitched a No Hitter on Acid

Dock Ellis, born on March 11, 1945, was a professional baseball player who pitched from 1968 to 1979. He played for several teams during his career, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, and New York Mets.

Ellis was known for his strong and lively fastball, as well as his colorful personality both on and off the field, an outspoken and charismatic figure who often pushed boundaries and challenged the established norms of the game. He was selected to the All-Star Game in 1971, and he played a crucial role in the Pittsburgh Pirates' World Series championship victory in 1971.

Off the field, Dock Ellis was an advocate for player rights and worked to address issues related to racial inequality and unfair treatment in the sport. After retiring from baseball, he became a substance abuse counselor, sharing his own experiences and working to help others.

Dock Ellis passed away on December 19, 2008, but his legacy as a unique and influential figure in baseball history remains. His no-hitter on acid is often cited as one of the most memorable and controversial moments in the sport.

On June 12, 1970, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dock Ellis threw a no-hitter under extraordinary circumstances. The story surrounding his achievement is commonly known as the "Dock Ellis No-Hitter on Acid."

Ellis later revealed that he had consumed the hallucinogenic drug LSD prior to the game against the San Diego Padres. He claimed that he thought he had the day off, but had misread the schedule. In a state of altered consciousness, Ellis took the mound and pitched the entire game.

While the details of the game are somewhat shrouded in both the haze of time and the effects of the drug, Ellis managed to pitch a no-hitter. He walked eight batters during the game and hit one with a pitch, resulting in several baserunners, but he prevented the Padres from recording any hits or runs.

The achievement itself is remarkable given the circumstances. Throwing a no-hitter requires intense focus, precision, and control, all of which would have been significantly impacted by the psychedelic effects of LSD. Ellis has stated that during the game, he had difficulty seeing the catcher's signals, and at times the baseball appeared to be moving erratically.

Dock Ellis' no-hitter on acid has become a legendary story in baseball history. It has drawn attention to the challenges and pressures that professional athletes face, as well as the potential for unusual and unexpected circumstances. While Ellis' use of LSD was undoubtedly a unique and controversial aspect of the achievement, it remains a testament to his talent and ability as a pitcher.

Dock Ellis may largely be remebered for his no hitter on acid, but there is so much more to the player. He remains one of the best pitchers of the 1970's and helped bring the Pirates to a multiple World Series and even win one in 1971.

Ellis had a notable impact on the 1979 World Series, particularly in Game 3. He started the game for the Pirates and pitched a complete game, allowing only two runs on seven hits. He also contributed at the plate, hitting a home run in the seventh inning. The Pirates won that game with a score of 5-3, giving them a 2-1 series lead.

Overall, Ellis performed well in the World Series, although the Pirates ultimately fell short. The Baltimore Orioles won in seven games, capturing the championship. Despite the loss, Ellis's contributions and talent were recognized, and he remained a memorable figure in the sport.