Before he came to the Yankees, Dock Ellis pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and while there he once pitched a no hitter while high on LSD. Really. What else could I say that could top that? If you doubt me, read the story here. Even Snopes confirms it. Read the ESPN link. It’s quite a story, covering not just the acid no-no but Ellis’s career as a whole, including both other colorful incidents (such as when he purposefully hit the first three players on the Reds in a game in 1974, then tried to hit Tony Perez and Johnny Bench — they dodged enough to avoid being plunked — before his manager removed him from the game), plus some of the volunteer charity programs he both helped on and created. He was one of baseball’s true characters, which sometimes overshadows his fine career.
Received 6/11/1976.
****To Mark, Best of luck Dock Ellis*****
