Happy Birthday Doc Ellis LSD no hitter!

[ghostsinthemachine]

June 12th 1970: One of the most important days in sports history, a day perhaps bigger than any Stanley Cup victory, any World Series, or any Superbowl. 45 years ago today, Dock Ellis pitched an eight-walk, 2-0, no hit-victory while high on LSD.

Ellis, who pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates, was ahead of his time in the wild world of sports, not necessarily for his playing style but for his antics on and off the field. He was a flamboyant loudmouth, a shit-talker, and one of the most competitive players in the game. He attempted to hit every batter on the Cincinnati Reds in 1974 and was maced by a security guard for acting out of pocket in 1972. Ellis was also outspoken about prejudice and racism in the league. When the pitcher showed up to pregame workouts with curlers in his hair—that’s how he got his “Superfly” hairstyle—Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn ordered Ellis never to wear them on a MLB field again. According to the Baseball Reliquary, Ellis complied, but responded “They didn’t put any orders about [Yankees] star Joe Pepitone when he wore a hairpiece down to his shoulders.” Ellis has stated that the most scared he’s ever been was attempting to pitch a game stone cold sober in 1973. However, Dock Ellis is perhaps most famous for the no-hitter against the San Diego Padres.

TRIP OUT HERE: http://www.avclub.com/article/45-years-ago-today-dock-ellis-pitched-no-hitter-wh-220797

[Tobin S.]

1. My wife and I just watched a documentary about him the other night.

It was called "No No: A Dockumentary." It was a very good film.

About that game. Dock didn't intend to pitch in it while high on LSD. He had been partying for several days on his off days. He had gotten so fucked up that he forgot a day. He dropped the LSD thinking he wouldn't be pitching for another day. However, Dock routinely pitched while high, just not on LSD- mostly on amphetamines.

[ghostsinthemachine]

2. Robin Williams on Doc Ellis

[malthaussen]

3. He did walk 8 and hit 1 though.

Rather like Johnny Vandermeer's second consecutive no-hitter (which took place on 15 Jume of '38), when he also walked 8. Don't think he was on acid, though. (I'll say nothing of alcohol)

-- Mal