Editing Dock Ellis

{{Short description|American baseball player (1945–2008)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|image=Dock Ellis.jpg
|caption=Ellis with the Pirates
|name=Dock Ellis
|position=[[Pitcher]]
|bats=Switch
|throws=Right
|birth_date={{Birth date|1945|3|11|}}
|birth_place=[[Los Angeles]], California, U.S.
|death_date={{Death date and age|2008|12|19|1945|3|11}}
|death_place=Los Angeles, California, U.S.
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate=June 18
|debutyear=1968
|debutteam=Pittsburgh Pirates
|finalleague = MLB
|finaldate=September 29
|finalyear=1979
|finalteam=Pittsburgh Pirates
|statleague = MLB
|stat1label=[[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]]
|stat1value=138–119
|stat2label=[[Earned run average]]
|stat2value=3.46
|stat3label=[[Strikeout]]s
|stat3value=1,136
|teams=
* [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] ({{Baseball year|1968}}–{{Baseball year|1975}})
* [[New York Yankees]] ({{Baseball year|1976}}–{{Baseball year|1977}})
* [[Oakland Athletics]] ({{Baseball year|1977}})
* [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] ({{Baseball year|1977}}–{{Baseball year|1979}})
* [[New York Mets]] ({{Baseball year|1979}})
* [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] ({{Baseball year|1979}})
|highlights=
* [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[1971 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1971]])
* [[World Series champion]] ({{wsy|1971}})
* Pitched [[no-hitter]] on June 12, 1970
}}
'''Dock Phillip Ellis Jr.''' (March 11, 1945&nbsp;– December 19, 2008) was an American professional [[baseball]] player. He played in [[Major League Baseball]] as a right-handed [[pitcher]] from {{mlby|1968}} through {{mlby|1979}}, most notably as a member of the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] teams that won five [[National League East|National League Eastern Division]] titles in six years between {{mlby|1970}} and {{mlby|1975}} and won the [[World Series]] in {{mlby|1971}}. Ellis also played for the [[New York Yankees]], [[Oakland Athletics]], [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] and [[New York Mets]]. In his MLB career, Ellis accumulated a {{winning percentage|138|119|record=y}} [[Win–loss record (pitching)|record]], a 3.46 [[earned run average]], and 1,136 [[strikeout]]s.

Ellis threw a [[no-hitter]] on June 12, [[1970 Pittsburgh Pirates season|1970]], and later stated that he accomplished the feat under the influence of {{nowrap|[[LSD]].<ref name=erglsd84>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DeZVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6773%2C2012490 |work=Eugene Register-Guard |location=(Oregon) |agency=Associated Press |title=Ellis: No-hitter while on LSD |date=April 8, 1984 |page=6E}}</ref>}} Ellis was the [[starting pitcher]] for the [[National League (baseball)|National League]] in the [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]] in [[1971 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1971]]. Joining the Yankees in [[1976 New York Yankees season|1976]], he helped lead the team to the [[1976 American League Championship Series|American League pennant]], and was named the [[Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year Award]].

Ellis was an outspoken advocate for the rights of players and [[African American]]s.

He had a [[substance abuse]] problem, and acknowledged after his retirement that he had never pitched without the use of drugs. After going into treatment, Ellis remained sober and devoted the remainder of his life to counseling others with [[substance use disorder]] in treatment centers and prisons. He died of a liver ailment at age 63 in 2008.

==Early life==
Born in [[Los Angeles, California]], Ellis attended [[Gardena High School]] in [[Gardena, California|Gardena]]. At age 14, he began [[Alcoholic drink|drinking alcohol]] and using drugs.<ref name=latobit/><ref name=lat1990/>

Ellis played for the school's [[High school basketball|basketball]] team, recording 21 [[assist (basketball)|assists]] in one game.<ref name="high times">{{cite web|first=Keven |last=McAlester |url=http://www.houstonpress.com/2005-06-23/news/high-times/full/ |title=High Times|publisher=Houston Press |date=June 23, 2005 |access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> He played baseball as an [[infielder]] for a local [[semi-professional]] team called the Pittsburgh Pirates Rookies, along with future major leaguers Willie Crawford, Bill Rohr, Tom Harrison, [[Bobby Tolan]], [[Roy White]], [[Ron Woods]], [[Reggie Smith]], [[Don Wilson (baseball)|Don Wilson]], [[Bob Watson]] and [[Dave Nelson]]. The team was managed by [[Chet Brewer]].<ref name=centennial/> However, Ellis refused to play for the Gardena High School baseball team because a baseball player referred to him as a "[[List of ethnic slurs#S|spearchucker]]".<ref name="high times"/>

When Ellis was caught drinking and smoking [[marijuana]] in a high school bathroom during his senior year, the school agreed not to expel him if he agreed to play for the school's baseball team.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-06-30-sp-266-story.html |title=Dock Ellis: The Man Who Pitched a No-Hitter While Under the Influence of LSD Has Found a New Delivery: He Coordinates a Substance-Abuse Rehabilitation Program : Ellis: 'I Couldn't Pitch Without Pills' |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=June 30, 1985 |access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> He appeared in four games and was named all-league.<ref name="high times"/> Ellis then attended [[Los Angeles Harbor College]] (LAHC), a [[junior college]].<ref name="lat1990">{{cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-07-18-sp-603-story.html | title=Remember When: Ellis' No-Hitter Against Padres Was High Drama | work=Los Angeles Times | date=July 18, 1990 | access-date=July 14, 2012 | author=Wolf, Bob}}</ref>

Ellis was diagnosed with [[sickle cell anemia]] at age 17; the diagnosis was later changed to [[sickle cell trait]].<ref name="sickle cell"/>

==Playing career==

===Minor league career (1964–1968)===
While Ellis attended LAHC, various [[Major League Baseball]] teams attempted to sign him to a professional contract, but as he heard the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] gave out [[signing bonus]]es of $60,000, he held out until the Pirates made him an offer.<ref name="high times"/> He was arrested for [[Motor vehicle theft|stealing a car]], and given probation.<ref name="high times"/> Brewer, working as a [[scout (sport)|scout]] for the Pirates, signed Ellis to the Pirates; as a result of the arrest, the Pirates offered Ellis $500 a month and a $2,500 signing bonus.<ref name="high times"/>

Ellis played for the [[Batavia Pirates]] of the [[Class A (baseball)|Class A]] [[New York–Pennsylvania League]] in 1964. The next season, he played for the [[Kinston Expos|Kinston Eagles]] of the Class A [[Carolina League]]<ref name="kinston">{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mfEuAAAAIBAJ&pg=4954,4790987&dq=dock-ellis+kinston | title=Bucs, Phils Battle For Fifth Place | work=Beaver County Times | date=July 26, 1965 | agency=[[United Press International]] | access-date=July 25, 2012 | page=14}}</ref> and the [[Columbus Jets]] of the [[Class AAA]] [[International League]].<ref name=columbus1965>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3Z1RAAAAIBAJ&pg=3955,675986&dq=dock-ellis+columbus|title=Bucs Acquire Trio From Columbus Farm|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|page=26|date=October 5, 1965|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> Ellis pitched in an exhibition game for the Pirates against the [[Cleveland Indians]] in July, earning the win.<ref name=kinston/> After the season, the Pirates added Ellis to their [[40-man roster]].<ref name=columbus1965/>

In 1966, Ellis played for the [[Asheville Tourists]] of the [[Class AA]] [[Southern League (1964–2020)|Southern League]], pitching to a 10–9 [[Win–loss record (pitching)|win–loss record]], a 2.77 [[earned run average]] (ERA),<ref name=callup/> and an All-Star Game appearance.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BiEsAAAAIBAJ&pg=3783,1293775&dq=dock-ellis+asheville|title=Mobile's League Leaders Rap Southern All-Stars|newspaper=Times Daily|page=11|date=August 9, 1966|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> The Pirates called Ellis up to the majors near the end of the season, but the team did not use him in a game that year.<ref name=callup>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BKhWAAAAIBAJ&pg=2973,5431331&dq=dock-ellis+asheville|title=Bucs Call Dock Ellis|agency=United Press International|page=9|newspaper=The News-Dispatch|location=[[Jeannette, Pennsylvania]]|date=September 6, 1966|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>

Ellis started the 1967 season with Columbus. He believed that he was not on the major league club because the Pirates already had a number of African American players; he felt that the team did not want to alienate [[white people|white]] fans.<ref name="baseball142">{{Harvnb|Hall|Ellis|1989|p=142}}</ref> Ellis was sent down to the [[Macon Peaches]] of the Southern League,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=n7AfAAAAIBAJ&pg=3216,2733569&dq=dock-ellis+macon|title=Evansville, Rebs Battle For Lead|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Gadsden Times|page=12|date=June 21, 1967|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> which Ellis believed was because of the length of his hair. Ellis said that he was promoted back to Columbus after shaving his head.<ref>{{Harvnb|Hall|Ellis|1989|p=143}}</ref> He had a 2–0 win–loss record with Macon and a 5–7 record with Columbus.<ref name=holdout/>

During his minor league career, Ellis once chased a heckler in the stands with a baseball bat.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/> He also used pills when he pitched, specifically the [[amphetamine]]s [[Benzedrine]] and [[Dexamyl]].<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/> Stressed by the pressure of his "can't-miss" status as a prospect, Ellis became addicted.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/> He later said that he never pitched a game without using amphetamines.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/> He eventually needed {{convert|70|to(-)|85|mg}} per game, or between five and twelve capsules, depending on their strength.<ref name="high times"/> Ellis acknowledged that he began to use [[cocaine]] in the late 1960s.<ref name=lat1990/>

Ellis held out from the Pirates in February 1968;<ref name=holdout>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6XgqAAAAIBAJ&pg=5577,2606163&dq=dock-ellis|title=Dock Ellis First Holdout For Brown: Pirate Rookie Dissatisfied, Stays Home|newspaper=[[The Pittsburgh Press]]|page=27|date=February 22, 1968|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> he came to terms with the team in March.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5SVIAAAAIBAJ&pg=1847,23928&dq=dock-ellis+macon|title=Clemente Reports|newspaper=The Morning Record|agency=Associated Press|page=4|date=March 2, 1968|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> The Pirates optioned Ellis to Columbus,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OYBhAAAAIBAJ&pg=2414,4913707&dq=dock-ellis|title=Bucs Send 3 to Minors|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=St. Joseph News-Press|page=2B|date=March 28, 1968|access-date=July 26, 2012}}</ref> who moved Ellis from the starting rotation to the [[bullpen]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=z-xOAAAAIBAJ&pg=7199,5128336&dq=dock-ellis+macon|title=Jets Not Set For Quick Takeoff Because of Hurling Problems|first=Tom|last=Keyes|newspaper=[[Toledo Blade]]|location=[[Toledo, Ohio]]|page=25|date=April 23, 1968|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> At Columbus, Ellis credited his work with manager [[Johnny Pesky]] and pitching coach [[Harvey Haddix]] for improving his performance.<ref>{{Harvnb|Hall|Ellis|1989|pp=145-146}}</ref>

===Pittsburgh Pirates===
Ellis made his MLB debut in June 1968, beginning as a relief pitcher,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=T6IgAAAAIBAJ&pg=1271,7474294&dq=dock-ellis | title=Pirates Outlast Cards, 3-2; Triple By Wills Key Blow | work=The Lewiston Daily Sun | date=June 26, 1968 | agency=Associated Press | access-date=July 26, 2012 | page=15}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nZ1RAAAAIBAJ&pg=6986,969331&dq=dock-ellis | title=Mets, Bucs Split Pair, 3-2 and 4-3: New Yorkers End Seven-Game Win Skein in Second | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | date=July 5, 1968 | access-date=July 26, 2012 | author=Feeney, Charley | page=15}}</ref> but the Pirates moved Ellis into the [[starting rotation]] later that season and he started 10 games.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dock Ellis|url=https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/E/Pellid101.htm|access-date=2020-06-11|website=www.retrosheet.org}}</ref> Ellis pitched his first [[complete game]] in September.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=X00yAAAAIBAJ&pg=3670,3349267&dq=dock-ellis | title=Ellis Pitches 1st Complete Contest | work=Beaver County Times | date=September 17, 1968 | agency=United Press International | access-date=July 26, 2012 | page=B-2}}</ref> He had a 6–5 win–loss record with a 2.51 ERA with the Pirates in 1968.<ref name="high times"/> In 1969, Ellis made the team's starting rotation for [[Opening Day]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HpxRAAAAIBAJ&pg=3144,2246595&dq=dock-ellis | title=Larry Talks of Good Points | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | date=March 14, 1969 | access-date=July 26, 2012 | last=Abrams | first=Al | page=20}}</ref> The struggles of [[Steve Blass]] kept Ellis in the starting rotation, as Blass was moved to the bullpen.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FW4lAAAAIBAJ&pg=6830,2228416&dq=dock-ellis | title=Blass Taken From Rotation | work=Beaver County Times | date=May 9, 1969 | agency=United Press International | access-date=September 17, 2012 | page=B-2}}</ref>

====June 12, 1970 no-hitter====
On June 12, 1970, Ellis [[no-hitter|no-hit]] the [[San Diego Padres]], 2–0, in the first game of a [[Doubleheader (baseball)|two-game doubleheader]] at [[SDCCU Stadium|San Diego Stadium]], while reportedly under the influence of [[Lysergic acid diethylamide|LSD]].<ref name=ergsald>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dKpVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6446%2C3036007 |work=Eugene Register-Guard |location=(Oregon) |agency=Associated Press |last=Salading|first=Tom |title=Pirates' Dock Ellis gets no-hitter|date=June 13, 1970 |page=1B}}</ref> After the Pirates had flown to San Diego on Thursday, June 11, Ellis visited a friend in Los Angeles and used LSD "two or three times". Thinking it was still Thursday, he took a hit of LSD on Friday at noon, and his friend's girlfriend reminded him at 2:00&nbsp;p.m. that he was scheduled to pitch that night. Ellis flew from Los Angeles to San Diego at 3:00&nbsp;p.m. and arrived at the stadium at 4:30&nbsp;p.m.; the game started at 6:05&nbsp;p.m.<ref name=erglsd84/><ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/>

Ellis said that he threw the no-hitter despite being unable to feel the ball or see the batter or catcher clearly.<ref>{{YouTube|_vUhSYLRw14|No Mas Presents: Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No by James Blagden}}</ref> He also said that his catcher [[Jerry May (baseball)|Jerry May]] wore reflective tape on his fingers, which helped Ellis see May's signals. Ellis walked eight batters and struck out six, and he was aided by excellent fielding plays by second baseman [[Bill Mazeroski]] and centerfielder [[Matty Alou]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Roundup: Ellis of Pirates Stops Padres on No-Hitter | work=The New York Times | date=June 12, 1970 | author=Goldaper, Sam}}</ref>

As Ellis recounted:

{{blockquote|I can only remember bits and pieces of the game. I was psyched. I had a feeling of euphoria. I was zeroed in on the [catcher's] glove, but I didn't hit the glove too much. I remember hitting a couple of batters, and the bases were loaded two or three times.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Ellis Says He Used LSD Before Hurling '70 No-Hitter|url=http://www.mediafire.com/view/ypr5me0klo27ued |access-date=6 June 2020|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|date=8 April 1984}}</ref> The ball was small sometimes, the ball was large sometimes, sometimes I saw the catcher, sometimes I didn't. Sometimes, I tried to stare the hitter down and throw while I was looking at him. I chewed my gum until it turned to powder. They say I had about three to four fielding chances. I remember diving out of the way of a ball I thought was a line drive. I jumped, but the ball wasn't hit hard and never reached me.<ref>{{cite news|last=Barnes|first=Mike (UPI)|title=Dock Ellis: The Muhammad Ali of Baseball; Pitched Most Days High On 'Uppers'|url=http://www.mediafire.com/view/hqns56bb4ah3usw |access-date=6 June 2020|newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen|date=21 June 1989}}</ref>}}

Ellis reported that he never used LSD during the season again, though he continued to use amphetamines.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/> After the story was made public, Ellis said that he regretted taking LSD that day because it "robbed him of his greatest professional memory".<ref name=NYPost2014>{{cite news|last=Getlen|first=Larry|title=How Dock Ellis dropped acid and threw a no-hitter|url=https://nypost.com/2014/08/31/pitcher-dock-ellis-dropped-acid-then-threw-a-no-hitter |access-date=26 February 2013|newspaper=New York Post|date=31 August 2014}}</ref>

====Assessments of LSD claim====
Bob Smizik of the ''[[Pittsburgh Press]]'', who first broke the story in 1984, believes Ellis' version of events that day, although Smizik did not witness the game in person. [[Bill Christine]], also of the ''Pittsburgh Press'', does not believe Ellis' claim and was at the game that day. Christine was a beat reporter who "practically lived with the team that year". Christine had said that he did not notice anything unusual and that if Ellis had reported to the stadium only 90 minutes before his scheduled start, reporters would have been told. John Mehno, a reporter who had "extensive interactions" with Ellis over his career, was skeptical about many stories told by Ellis, including the LSD no-hitter. Mehno said that he has not found a teammate who would corroborate the story.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://deadspin.com/5819880/the-long-strange-trip-of-the-dock-ellis-lsd-no+hitter-story |title=The Long, Strange Trip Of The Dock Ellis LSD No-Hitter Story |publisher=Deadspin |date=7 November 2011 |author=Daulerio, A.J. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203040645/http://deadspin.com/5819880/the-long-strange-trip-of-the-dock-ellis-lsd-no+hitter-story |archive-date=3 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, Ellis' close friend [[Scipio Spinks]], a pitcher for the [[Houston Astros]], has said that he has no doubt that Ellis was telling the truth about his LSD use, as he was very familiar with Ellis' drug habits, including the use of LSD.<ref name=NYPost2014 />

====The no-hitter in pop culture====
Ellis collaborated with future [[United States Poet Laureate]] [[Donald Hall]] on a book, ''Dock Ellis in the Country of Baseball'', published in 1976. The first edition of the book reported that Ellis had been drinking vodka on the day of his no-hitter. Hall updated the 1989 edition to reveal the LSD use.<ref>Mikkelson, David. (June 13, 2013). [http://www.snopes.com/sports/baseball/ellis.asp "Dock Ellis Pitched a No-Hitter on LSD?,"] Snopes. Retrieved on March 5, 2017.</ref><ref name=Citron>Citron, Rodger. (December 22, 2008). [http://historynewsnetwork.org/article/58622 "Another Reason for Remembering Dock Ellis,"] History News Network. Retrieved on March 5, 2017.</ref> Singer-songwriter [[Barbara Manning]] paid tribute to Ellis and his no-hitter in the psychedelic pop song "Dock Ellis",<ref>Sobsey, Adam. (October 29, 2014). [https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2014/10/29/future-eligibles/ "Future Eligibles,"] ''The Paris Review''. Retrieved on March 4, 2017.</ref> as did folk singer [[Todd Snider]] with "America's Favorite Pastime" on his 2009 album ''The Excitement Plan''. "Dock Ellis" is also a song by beatmaker Blazo and hip-hop duo [[The 49ers]] that talks about "musical addiction". A 2009 animated short film by James Blagden about the game, ''Dock Ellis and the LSD No-No'', features narration in Ellis' own voice, taken from a 2008 NPR interview.<ref name="nyt">Witz, Billy. (September 4, 2010). [https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/05/sports/baseball/05nohitter.html "For Ellis, a Long, Strange Trip to a No-Hitter,"] ''The New York Times''. Retrieved on March 4, 2017.</ref><ref>Vanderbilt, Mike. (June 12, 2015). [http://www.avclub.com/article/45-years-ago-today-dock-ellis-pitched-no-hitter-wh-220797 "45 years ago today, Dock Ellis pitched a no-hitter while high on LSD,"] ''The A.V. Club''. Retrieved on March 4, 2017.</ref> The no-hitter is featured in the documentary about Ellis' life, ''[[No No: A Dockumentary]]'' (2014), directed by Jeffrey Radice.<ref>Gold, Daniel M. (September 4, 2014). [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/05/movies/no-no-a-dockumentary-looks-at-dock-ellis.html "A Lightning Rod in a Game With Bats: 'No No: A Dockumentary' Looks at Dock Ellis,"] ''The New York Times''. Retrieved on March 4, 2017.</ref> [[Robin Williams]] riffed on Ellis and his no-hitter as part of a segment on performance-enhancing drugs in sports, during his 2009 [[HBO]] special ''Weapons of Self-Destruction''. In [[Hometown Hero (Poker Face)|a season 2 episode]] of [[Poker Face (TV series)|Poker Face]], a player laces another's gum with LSD in an attempt at sabotage, but inadvertently "Dock Ellis-ed him."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-22 |title=Poker Face — Hometown Hero — Season 2, Episode 5 Spoiler Recap and Review |url=https://fandomwire.com/poker-face-hometown-hero-season-2-episode-5-spoiler-recap-and-review/ |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=fandomwire.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

====1970–1971====
Ellis struggled for the remainder of the 1970 season, and finished the year with a 13–10 win–loss record as he experienced elbow and shoulder pain. However, he finished second in the NL with four [[shutout]]s and seventh with a 3.21 ERA.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1970-pitching-leaders.shtml | title=1970 National League Pitching Leaders | publisher=Baseball-Reference.com | date=2012-07-10 | access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> The Pirates won the [[National League East|National League (NL) East]] division championship.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=apsyAAAAIBAJ&pg=907,4504356&dq=dock-ellis | title=No-pitch Pirates win title with pitching | work=The Miami News | date=September 28, 1970 | agency=Associated Press | access-date=July 26, 2012 | page=7C}}</ref> Ellis started Game 1 of the [[1970 National League Championship Series]] (NLCS) to the [[1970 Cincinnati Reds|Cincinnati Reds]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WahRAAAAIBAJ&pg=7065,581685&dq=dock-ellis | title=Ellis, Nolan Mound Foes In Opener | work=The Milwaukee Sentinel | date=October 3, 1970 | agency=Associated Press | access-date=July 26, 2012 | pages=2–3}}</ref> Ellis took the loss, and the Pirates lost the series to the Reds in three games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1970_NLCS.shtml |title=1970 League Championship Series&nbsp;— Cincinnati Reds over Pittsburgh Pirates (3-0) |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref>

Ellis worked on his [[changeup]] for the {{mlby|1971}} season.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LmobAAAAIBAJ&pg=7481,1048179&dq=dock-ellis | title=Dock Ellis Accepts Help From Coach | work=The Pittsburgh Press | date=March 4, 1971 | access-date=July 26, 2012 | author=Christine, Bill | page=34}}</ref> He was rewarded by being named the Pirates' [[Opening Day]] starting pitcher; he defeated the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] by a score of 4–2.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SH1QAAAAIBAJ&pg=7378,1242927&dq=dock-ellis+opening-day |newspaper=The Milwaukee Sentinel|title=Ellis Ace In Bucs' Win|agency=United Press International|page=2-2|date=April 7, 1971|access-date=July 26, 2012}}</ref> After a strong start to the 1971 season, posting a 13–3 win–loss record,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Tz9CAAAAIBAJ&pg=7270,103935&dq=dock-ellis|title=Dock Ellis Gets 13th Win, May Be First All-Star Choice|first=Joe|last=Carnicelli|newspaper=Middlesboro Daily News|agency=United Press International|page=2|date=July 2, 1971|access-date=July 26, 2012}}</ref> Ellis was named to appear in the [[1971 Major League Baseball All-Star Game]], held at [[Tiger Stadium (Detroit)|Tiger Stadium]] in [[Detroit]]. The AL selected [[Vida Blue]] of the [[Oakland Athletics]] as their starter, and Ellis publicly stated that National League All-Star Team manager [[Sparky Anderson]] would "never start two [[African American|brothers]] against each other".<ref name=nyt/><ref name="strike back"/> Anderson surprised Ellis by naming him the starting pitcher of the All-Star Game.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dwMgAAAAIBAJ&pg=1283,1323627&dq=dock-ellis|title=Anderson Names Dock Ellis to Face Vida Blue in Major League All-Star Game: NL Pilot Disregards Buc Hurler's Blast|newspaper=The Lewiston Daily Sun|page=9|date=July 13, 1971|access-date=July 26, 2012}}</ref><ref name="speaks his mind">{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AnkfAAAAIBAJ&pg=7217,5277749&dq=dock-ellis | title=Dock Ellis Simply Speaks His Mind | work=The Pittsburgh Press | date=May 14, 1972 | access-date=August 1, 2012 | author=Smizik, Bob | page=D-4}}</ref> Ellis was the losing pitcher in the game.<ref name="speaks his mind"/> During the game, [[Reggie Jackson]] hit a towering home run off of Ellis.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/> The home run, estimated to have traveled {{convert|600|ft}}, tied a 1926 home run hit by [[Babe Ruth]] for the longest measured home run on record.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gWtkAAAAIBAJ&pg=4692,4316292&dq=dock-ellis | title=Reggie's Wallop Tied The Babe's | work=The Calgary Herald | date=July 15, 1971 | agency=Associated Press | access-date=August 1, 2012 | page=17}}</ref> The next time the two opposed each other, Ellis [[Beanball|beaned]] Jackson in the face in retaliation for his earlier home run.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/><ref name=nydn>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/2008/12/20/2008-12-20_from_nohitter_on_lsd_to_hair_curlers_to_.html|title=From no-hitter on LSD to hair curlers to feuds, Dock Ellis was free spirit|newspaper=New York Daily News|first=Bill|last=Madden|date=December 22, 2008|access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref>

Ellis started Game 2 of the [[1971 NLCS]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=s7AiAAAAIBAJ&pg=1811,4687092&dq=dock-ellis|title=Murtaugh Maintaining His Cool|first=John A.|last=Gaudiosi|agency=United Press International|page=B-2|newspaper=Beaver County Times|date=September 30, 1971|access-date=August 1, 2012}}</ref> earning the victory over the [[San Francisco Giants]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kBhHAAAAIBAJ&pg=5565,488795&dq=dock-ellis|title=Pittsburgh, Giants Each Own Win: Orioles Can Sweep AL Playoffs Today|first=Ed|last=Schuyler, Jr.|agency=Associated Press|page=8|newspaper=Warsaw Times-Union|date=October 5, 1971|access-date=August 1, 2012}}</ref> During the series, Ellis created a stir by complaining about the Pirates' lodgings,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=V50bAAAAIBAJ&pg=7456,202797&dq=dock-ellis | title=Dock Ellis: The One Who Cried Wolf | work=The Pittsburgh Press | date=March 1, 1972 | access-date=August 1, 2012 | author=Christine, Bill | page=40}}</ref> complaining that the organization was "cheap".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ynguAAAAIBAJ&pg=6524,911578&dq=dock-ellis|title=Dock Ellis Labels Bucs 'Cheap'|page=16|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Tri City Herald|date=October 5, 1971|access-date=August 1, 2012}}</ref> He changed hotels because he said the hotel rooms were too small.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/> Ellis started Game 1 of the [[1971 World Series]] against the [[Baltimore Orioles]].<ref name=game11971ws>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=t4FBAAAAIBAJ&pg=6974,1653269&dq=dock-ellis|title=Dock Ellis' Elbow Clouds Pirates' Series Picture|page=2|first=Mike|last=Rathet|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Harlan Daily Enterprise|date=October 8, 1971|access-date=August 1, 2012}}</ref> In a losing effort, he lasted only {{frac|2|1|3}} innings. He allowed four hits and four runs, including two home runs.<ref name=game11971ws /><ref name=worldseries>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=361QAAAAIBAJ&pg=1810,2408419&dq=dock-ellis|title=Pat Zachry vs. Dock Ellis in third game of Series|agency=United Press International|page=3C|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|date=October 18, 1976|access-date=August 1, 2012}}</ref> Though Ellis denied being in pain before the game,<ref name=game11971ws/> he later acknowledged that elbow pain limited his performance,<ref name=game11971ws /> and wondered if his sickle cell trait could be related to this pain.<ref name="sickle cell"/> The Pirates defeated the Orioles in seven games to win the World Series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1971_WS.shtml |title=1971 World Series&nbsp;— Pittsburgh Pirates over Baltimore Orioles (4-3) |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref>

Ellis finished the season with a 19–9 win–loss record and a 3.06 ERA. He placed fourth in the [[Cy Young Award]] balloting.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/11/04/archives/cubs-jenkins-voted-cy-young-award.html|title=Cubs' Jenkins Voted Cy Young Award|first=Joseph|last=Durso|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=November 4, 1971|page=61|access-date=July 13, 2012}}</ref> His 19 wins were fifth best in the league, and his .679 [[winning percentage]] was fourth best.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1971-pitching-leaders.shtml |title=1971 National League Pitching Leaders |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref>

====Macing incident====
On May 5, 1972, Ellis, [[Willie Stargell]], and [[Rennie Stennett]] missed the team bus to [[Riverfront Stadium]]. A security guard asked the three for identification; Stargell and Stennett complied and were allowed in, but Ellis did not have identification with him. The guard said that Ellis did not identify himself, appeared drunk, and "made threatening gestures with a clenched fist." Ellis showed his [[World Series ring]] as evidence of his affiliation with the Pirates, but in response, the guard maced Ellis.<ref name="snopes"/> Ellis was arrested and charged with [[disorderly conduct]].<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 25, 1972 |title=Ellis to file suit after mace incident with stadium guard |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rrEDAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA1&hl=nl&pg=PA49#v=onepage&q&f=false |work=[[Jet Magazine]] |pages=49 |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref name="snopes" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=w5BPAAAAIBAJ&pg=2018,2598856&dq=dock-ellis|title=Dock Ellis arrested in Cincy|agency=United Press International|newspaper=The Bryan Times|page=3|date=May 6, 1972|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>

The Reds sued Ellis for assault and Ellis countersued. Before going to trial, the Reds dropped the suit and wrote Ellis a letter of apology.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/> The [[State court (United States)|municipal court]] dropped the charges against Ellis, though Ellis stated that this incident made him "hate better".<ref>{{Cite news |date=1972-07-11 |title=Charges against Dock Ellis dropped |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tri-city-herald-charges-against-dock-ell/159136240/ |access-date=2024-11-16 |work=Tri-City Herald |page=14 |publication-place=Pasco, Washington |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

Ellis finished the 1972 season ninth in the NL in ERA (2.70), sixth in winning percentage (.682), fourth in walks per nine innings pitched (1.818) and first in [[home runs per nine innings]] ratio (0.331). The Pirates won the NL East that year and faced the Reds in the [[1972 National League Championship Series|1972 NLCS]]. The Pirates pitched Ellis with a sore arm,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9vYeAAAAIBAJ&pg=3588,1850774&dq=dock-ellis|title=Pirates Attempt To Close Playoffs With Dock Ellis|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Sarasota Journal|page=C1|date=October 10, 1972|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> but the Reds won the series.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/>

====1973====
Ellis said that the scariest moment of his career was when he attempted to pitch while sober in a 1973 game. During pregame warmups, he could not recreate his pitching mechanics. Ellis went to his locker, took some amphetamines with coffee, and returned to pitch.<ref name=si>{{cite magazine|first=Michael |last=Silver |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1111909/index.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119114805/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1111909/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 19, 2013 |title=Notorious for baseball's trippiest mound exploit, he turned his experiences to the good by helping substance abusers|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=July 2, 2007 |access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref>

In August 1973, pictures circulated of Ellis wearing [[hair roller|hair curler]]s in the bullpen during pregame warmups.<ref name="latobit" /><ref name="couldn't pitch without pills" /> The Pirates told him not to wear curlers on the field again. Ellis agreed,<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=heZVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6678,3356184&dq=dock-ellis|title=Pirate pair feuds as Ellis cools down|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard|page=3B|date=August 14, 1973|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> but charged that the Pirates were displaying racism.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills" /> ''[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]]'' devoted a spread to Ellis about his hairstyles, which was inspired by the hair-curler incident.<ref name="high times" />

After Ellis defeated the Reds in a 1973 game, [[Joe Morgan]] claimed that Ellis had thrown a [[spitball]]. Anderson had the [[umpire (baseball)|umpire]] check Ellis, but found no evidence.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sohIAAAAIBAJ&pg=4011,2126665&dq=dock-ellis+joe-morgan|title=Ellis Throws Spitter: Morgan|agency=Associated Press|page=2-C|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|date=August 18, 1973|access-date=September 17, 2012}}</ref> In his 1980 book, Ellis admitted that wearing hair curlers produced sweat on his hair, which he used to throw a modified version of a spitball.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills" />

Ellis missed most of the last month of the season because of [[tendinitis]] in his elbow,<ref name="centennial">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=j0g0AAAAIBAJ&pg=1958,2932779&dq=dock-ellis+centennial |title=Pirates' Dock Ellis Isn't All Bad|first=Jack|last=Gurney|page=1-F|newspaper=[[Sarasota Herald-Tribune]]|date=March 7, 1974|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> and the Pirates lost the division to the [[New York Mets]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qnAsAAAAIBAJ&pg=7198,155185&dq=pirates+mets+dock-ellis |title=Didn't Play Well Enough Say Pirates|agency=Associated Press|page=B3|newspaper=The Spartanburg Herald|date=October 2, 1973|access-date=August 1, 2012}}</ref> Ellis again led the league in home runs allowed per nine innings pitched ratio (0.328).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1973-pitching-leaders.shtml|title=1973 National League Pitching Leaders|work=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=August 1, 2012}}</ref>

====1974====
Ellis attempted to hit every batter in the [[1974 Cincinnati Reds season|Cincinnati Reds]] lineup with a pitch on May 1, 1974, as he was angry that the Pirates were intimidated by the [[Big Red Machine]].<ref name=latobit/><ref name=nyt/> Ellis admired [[Pete Rose]] and was concerned about how he would respond, but Ellis decided to do it regardless.<ref>{{cite news|date=June 30, 1985|first=Jerry|last=Crowe|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-06-30-sp-275-story.html |title=When Hit by Ellis, Rose Didn't Get Mad, He Got Even His Own Way |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> Ellis hit Rose, [[Joe Morgan]], and [[Dan Driessen]] in the top of the first inning, with his first six pitches all aimed at the batters. With the bases loaded, Ellis attempted to throw strikes to cleanup hitter [[Tony Pérez]] but walked him, forcing home a run. After Ellis aimed two pitches at the head of [[Johnny Bench]], he was removed from the game by manager [[Danny Murtaugh]].<ref name=latobit/><ref>{{Cite news|last=Hertzel|first=Bob|date=1974-05-02|title=Reds Defeat Pirates, 5-3|page=57|work=The Cincinnati Enquirer}}</ref> Ellis' box score for the game reads as follows: 0 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K.<ref name="snopes">{{cite web|url=http://www.snopes.com/sports/baseball/ellis.asp |title=Urban Legends Reference Pages: Dock Ellis LSD No-Hitter |publisher=Snopes.com |access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> Ellis tied eight other players for the MLB record with the three hit batsmen in the inning.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hdsjAAAAIBAJ&pg=7264,1189496&dq=dock-ellis|title=Ellis Hits Wrong Targets|newspaper=The Milwaukee Journal|page=12|date=May 2, 1974|access-date=August 4, 2012}}</ref>

Ellis struggled at the start of the 1974 season, with a 3–8 win–loss record and 4.54 ERA through July 10. He then won eight consecutive games and nine out of ten, pitching seven complete games in that ten-game stretch.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uG5kAAAAIBAJ&pg=3335,1805599&dq=dock-ellis|title=Dock Ellis may be big healer in Pittsburgh|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Calgary Herald|page=34|date=April 4, 1975|access-date=August 4, 2012}}</ref> A [[line drive]] off the bat of [[Willie Montañez]] fractured the [[fifth metacarpal bone]] in Ellis' pitching hand on September 10, prematurely ending his season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2ZMzAAAAIBAJ&pg=3488,641920&dq=dock-ellis |title=Pirates walk plank while losing Ellis|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Miami News|page=2C|date=September 12, 1974|access-date=August 3, 2012}}</ref> Ellis had the seventh-best walks plus hits per inning pitched ratio (1.155) that season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1974-pitching-leaders.shtml |title=1974 National League Pitching Leaders |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |date=2012-07-10 |access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> The Pirates won the NL East but lost the [[1974 National League Championship Series|1974 NLCS]], three games to one, to the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1974_NLCS.shtml |title=1974 League Championship Series&nbsp;— Los Angeles Dodgers over Pittsburgh Pirates (3-1) |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref>

====1975====
Healthy to begin the 1975 season, Ellis continued to perform well.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=It8oAAAAIBAJ&pg=718,764150&dq=dock-ellis|title=Dock Ellis maintains form to beat White Sox|page=13|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Tri City Herald|date=April 1, 1975|access-date=August 4, 2012}}</ref> In August, the Pirates asked Ellis to pitch in the bullpen; he refused on consecutive nights.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=J-8gAAAAIBAJ&pg=4496,2559062&dq=dock-ellis|title=Ellis (Dock) acts up|newspaper=The Day|page=14|date=August 16, 1975|access-date=August 4, 2012}}</ref> On August 15, 1975, Ellis refused assignment to the bullpen again; as a result, the Pirates suspended him for one day.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/> Ellis called for a team meeting the next day, at which he was expected to apologize. Instead, he berated Murtaugh, who responded by cursing at Ellis, ordering the pitcher out of the clubhouse<ref name=sensing>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=D4FIAAAAIBAJ&pg=2241,780121&dq=dock-ellis |title=Dock Ellis... Going... Going.. Gone|first=Charley|last=Feeney|page=16|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=December 5, 1975|access-date=August 4, 2012}}</ref> and attempting to fight him.<ref name="couldn">{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-06-30-sp-266-story.html |title=Dock Ellis: The Man Who Pitched a No-Hitter While Under the Influence of LSD Has Found a New Delivery: He Coordinates a Substance-Abuse Rehabilitation Program : Ellis: 'I Couldn't Pitch Without Pills' |last=Crowe |first=Jerry |date=June 30, 1985 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> Reportedly, coach [[Don Leppert]] also tried to fight Ellis.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/> The Pirates suspended Ellis for 30 days<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/> and fined him $2,000 {{USDCY|2000|1975}}.<ref name=sensing/> The suspension was lifted on August 30 when Ellis apologized to Murtaugh.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/>

Ellis finished with an 8–9 record and 3.79 ERA during the 1975 season.<ref name=comeback/> The Pirates again won the NL East, but were swept by the Reds in the [[1975 National League Championship Series|1975 NLCS]] in three games. Ellis pitched in relief for two innings in Game 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1975_NLCS.shtml |title=1975 League Championship Series&nbsp;– Cincinnati Reds over Pittsburgh Pirates (3–0) |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref>

===New York Yankees===
Ellis sensed that he would be traded that offseason due to the fallout from his suspension.<ref name=sensing/> On December 11, Ellis was traded to the [[New York Yankees]] of the [[American League]] (AL) along with pitcher [[Ken Brett]] and top infield prospect [[Willie Randolph]], in exchange for pitcher [[Doc Medich]].<ref name=bandits>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AEdGAAAAIBAJ&pg=1266,2703859&dq=dock-ellis |title=Faded Bronx Bombers May Become Bandits|agency=Associated Press|page=27|newspaper=Schenectady Gazette|date=March 26, 1976|access-date=July 26, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=d3sjAAAAIBAJ&pg=1081,2130255&dq=dock-ellis|title=Yankees wheel, deal at baseball meetings|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Gadsden Times|page=13|date=December 12, 1975|access-date=July 27, 2012}}</ref> Tired of Ellis' behavior, Pittsburgh [[general manager (baseball)|general manager]] [[Joe L. Brown]] insisted that the Yankees take Ellis as part of the deal.<ref name=nydn/>

With the Yankees, Ellis pitched to a 17–8 win–loss record with a 3.15 ERA during the 1976 regular season.<ref name=steinbrenner>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=e1pQAAAAIBAJ&pg=6953,1824957&dq=dock-ellis|title=Dock Is Unhappy|first=Bob|last=Rubin|agency=[[Knight Ridder]]|page=1C|newspaper=The Evening Independent|date=April 7, 1977|access-date=August 4, 2012}}</ref> His 17 wins were eighth in the AL, while his .680 winning percentage was third best. After the season, he was voted the [[AL Comeback Player of the Year]] by the [[United Press International]].<ref name=comeback>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Pk8xAAAAIBAJ&pg=4428,943048&dq=dock-ellis|title=AL's comeback award given to Dock Ellis|agency=United Press International|newspaper=The Montreal Gazette|page=30|date=November 4, 1976|access-date=July 26, 2012}}</ref>

The Yankees won the [[American League East|AL East]] division championship in 1976. Ellis started in Game 3 of the [[1976 American League Championship Series|1976 American League Championship Series (ALCS)]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=JRtgAAAAIBAJ&pg=1250,2194722&dq=dock-ellis|title=Yankees Count on Dock Ellis|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Evening News|page=16A|date=October 12, 1976|access-date=August 4, 2012}}</ref> getting the win.<ref name=nydn/> The Yankees reached the [[1976 World Series]]. Ellis started Game 3 but received the loss, allowing four earned runs in {{frac|3|1|3}} innings.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Hg1UAAAAIBAJ&pg=6535,6975719&dq=dock-ellis+world-series+reds+figueroa|title=It's Nolan against Figueroa: Cincy shooting for series sweep|agency=United Press International|newspaper=Boca Raton News|page=8A|date=October 20, 1976|access-date=August 4, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1976_WS.shtml |title=1976 World Series&nbsp;— Cincinnati Reds over New York Yankees (4-0) |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> The Reds defeated the Yankees in four games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1976_WS.shtml |title=1976 World Series&nbsp;– Cincinnati Reds over New York Yankees (4–0) |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref>

===Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers===
[[File:TEX1979RELLIS.jpg|thumb|left|Texas Rangers 1979 Dock Ellis #17 road jersey]]
Before the {{mlby|1977}} season, Ellis publicly criticized Yankees owner [[George Steinbrenner]] for giving him a raise that was inadequate given his 1976 performance and for interfering with manager [[Billy Martin]].<ref name=steinbrenner/><ref name=torrez/> As Ellis refused to sign his contract, and the Yankees did not want to have players who could become free agents,<ref name=steinbrenner/><ref name=torrez/> the Yankees traded Ellis with [[Larry Murray]] and [[Marty Perez]] to the Oakland Athletics for [[Mike Torrez]] in April 1977.<ref name="torrez">{{Cite news |date=1977-04-28 |title=Yanks Trade Ellis, 2 Others to Oakland |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/title/djprufxwriwnwwztibntwcfvacadssor_ip-10-166-46-81_1741250818136 |access-date=2025-03-06 |work=Milwaukee Sentinel |page=B3 |via=[[GenealogyBank.com]]}}</ref> Torrez emerged as a top starting pitcher for the Yankees that season, while Ellis struggled.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AW4vAAAAIBAJ&pg=1127,1697121&dq=dock-ellis|title=Dock Ellis makes Yanks' trade look good|first=Fred|last=McMane|agency=United Press International|newspaper=Beaver County Times|page=B-2|date=May 9, 1977|access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref> While pitching for Oakland, the team asked him to keep charts. Defiant, Ellis set the charts on fire in the clubhouse, setting off sprinklers.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/> Ellis ranked this as the "craziest" thing he did during his career.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/>

On June 15, 1977, the Rangers purchased Ellis from the Oakland Athletics. Ellis had a resurgent second half of the 1977 season,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HFwaAAAAIBAJ&pg=6888,5101754&dq=dock-ellis|title=Ellis and Leonard Boost Their Teams|agency=United Press International|page=2|newspaper=The Milwaukee Journal|date=August 19, 1977|access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref> going 10–6 with a 2.90 ERA.<ref name="high times"/> Ellis complained about manager [[Billy Hunter (baseball)|Billy Hunter]]'s [[liquor]] policy in 1978.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CzMcAAAAIBAJ&pg=7278,4837450&dq=dock-ellis |title=Ranger Dock Ellis Disputes Manager's Liquor Policy|agency=United Press International|page=A-8|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=May 27, 1978|access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref> Hunter, responding to a raucous team flight, banned liquor on team flights; Ellis vowed that he would bring liquor on the plane to [[Toronto]] anyway.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rzIcAAAAIBAJ&pg=1839,207231&dq=dock-ellis|title=Dock: Break Out The Booze And Have A Ball|first=Roy|last=McHugh|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|page=C-10|date=June 1, 1978|access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref> Ellis led a player insurrection against Hunter's authoritarian style, declaring that Hunter "may be Hitler, but he ain't making no lampshade out of me".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BaE0AAAAIBAJ&pg=2059,4457113&dq=may+be+hitler+but+he+ain-t+making+no+lampshade+out+of+me |title=Dock Ellis ready to break rules |agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Modesto Bee|date=May 27, 1978|access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> The Rangers organization blamed Ellis for the team's disappointing finish in 1978 and indicated that they would look to trade Ellis.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=q7dHAAAAIBAJ&pg=3418,1775403&dq=dock-ellis|title=Rangers would prefer common bond with Cowboys|first=Mike|last=Rabun|newspaper=The Morning Record and Journal|page=15|date=September 13, 1978|access-date=September 17, 2012}}</ref> However, owner [[Brad Corbett]] sided with Ellis over Hunter, firing Hunter after the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KV4vAAAAIBAJ&pg=5749,569688&dq=dock-ellis|title=Texas Rangers fire Billy Hunter|agency=United Press International|newspaper=Beaver County Times|page=B-2|date=October 2, 1978|access-date=September 17, 2012}}</ref>

===New York Mets and return to Pittsburgh===
After starting the 1979 season with a 1–5 win–loss record, Ellis was traded to the [[New York Mets]] on June 15, 1979, for minor league pitchers [[Mike Bruhert]] and [[Bob Myrick]]. The Mets, seeking to upgrade their pitching staff due to poor performances and injuries to [[Pat Zachry]] and [[Skip Lockwood]], acquired [[Andy Hassler]] from the [[Boston Red Sox]] on the same day.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CU5SAAAAIBAJ&pg=6731,249658&dq=dock-ellis|title=Pitcher-hungry Mets get Dock Ellis, Hassler|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|page=5C|date=June 16, 1979|access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref> Ellis went 3–7 with a 6.04 ERA with the Mets.<ref name=rangersmets>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SrJPAAAAIBAJ&pg=1975,6020935&dq=dock-ellis|title=Dock Ellis Back With Pirates|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Ocala Star-Banner|page=2B|date=September 22, 1979|access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref>

Ellis requested the Mets send him back to the Pirates. Seeking more pitching in their pennant race, the Pirates purchased Ellis from the Mets on September 21, 1979, for an undisclosed sum of money;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=955RAAAAIBAJ&pg=6625,3524907&dq=dock-ellis|title=Bucs Lose to Chicago, 2-0|first=Charley|last=Feeney|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|page=9|date=September 22, 1979|access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref> the price was later revealed to be "something in excess of the [[waivers (baseball)|waiver]] price of $20,000".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sZxYAAAAIBAJ&pg=5728,3558125&dq=dock-ellis|title=Ellis Goes To Pirates For $20,000|newspaper=The Virgin Islands Daily News|page=27|agency=Associated Press|date=September 24, 1979|access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref> Ellis made three relief appearances with the Pirates that year,<ref name="high times"/> retiring after that season. Ellis finished his career with a lifetime win–loss record of 138–119 and an ERA of 3.46.<ref name="high times"/>

===Pitching style===
Ellis threw five distinct pitches: a [[fastball]], a [[curveball]], a changeup, a [[palmball]], and what Ellis called a "sliding fastball". The latter pitch was distinct from a [[Slider (baseball)|slider]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Hall|Ellis|1989|pp=140-141}}</ref> Ellis trusted his catcher to call pitches, and he rarely asked for a new sign.<ref name="baseball142"/>

Ellis kept a notebook, called "The Book", with detailed information about each hitter's strengths and weaknesses. He often asked teammates and members of other teams, including pitchers [[Bob Gibson]] and [[Juan Marichal]], for advice on how to pitch opposing batters.<ref>{{Harvnb|Hall|Ellis|1989|p=150}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Ellis was married four times.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/> His first wife was Paula;<ref name="paula">{{Cite news |date=1972-05-08 |title=Bucs' Ellis May Sue Over Fracas |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/newspaper-clippings/title/ihhkqcutaujpyhwigkicyrddfydsylmq_ip-10-166-46-81_1741250925201 |access-date=2025-03-06 |work=[[Milwaukee Sentinel]] |page=B6 |via=[[GenealogyBank.com]] |agency=United Press International}}</ref> they divorced in 1972.<ref name="ellis157">{{Harvnb|Hall|Ellis|1989|pp=157}}</ref> Ellis' second wife was Austine, and they divorced in 1980.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MpMzAAAAIBAJ&pg=6793,498204&dq=dock-ellis+married|title=Dock Ellis of Rangers has to check with wife|agency=United Press International|newspaper=Lodi News-Sentinel|page=11|date=March 4, 1978|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> His third wife was Jacquelyn,<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/> and the fourth was Hjordis.<ref name=latobit>{{cite news|last=Elliott |first=Helene |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-ellis21-2008dec21,0,3291785.story |title=Dock Ellis, former major league pitcher who counseled drug addicts, dies at 63 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=December 21, 2008|access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref><ref name=si/> Ellis had three children and two grandchildren; both daughters have since died, one in 2003 due to complications arising from [[type 1 diabetes]].<ref name=latobit/><ref name=si/> Ellis had a daughter, Shangalesa, with Paula.<ref name=ellis157/> His son with Austine, Dock Phillip Ellis III (Trey), played [[college basketball]] at [[California State University, Bakersfield]].<ref name=nyt/><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mauch |first=Rich |date=1999-03-04 |title=Ex-Martin star shines brightly for Bakersfield |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-ex-martin-star/167329168/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |page=5DD |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Trey fathered Ellis' first grandchild, Dock Phillip Ellis IV (Dru). Ellis' youngest daughter Simone, who mothered Ellis' second grandchild, died of cancer in December 2012. Ellis stopped using alcohol and other drugs in 1980, when his son was an infant.<ref name=nyt/>

Ellis fought for players' rights, including the right to free agency. [[Jackie Robinson]] credited him with trying to further the rights of African American players, but warned him that he said too much.<ref name=latobit/> In 1971, Ellis testified before the [[United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions|United States Senate Subcommittee on Public Health]] about his experiences with [[sickle cell anemia]],<ref name="sickle cell">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QkwgAAAAIBAJ&pg=5592,3831305&dq=dock-ellis|title=Pirates' Dock Ellis tells Senate of sickle disease|agency=Associated Press|page=9|newspaper=Anchorage Daily News|date=October 27, 1971|access-date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> and later worked with people who had the disease and raised money for sickle cell research.<ref name=rangersmets/>

==Retirement==
Ellis retired from baseball in the spring of {{mlby|1980}}, saying that he lost interest in the game. That year, Ellis entered [[drug rehabilitation|drug treatment]], staying for 40 days at The Meadows in [[Wickenburg]], [[Arizona]].<ref name=latobit/><ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/> In 1984, he revealed that he had pitched his no-hitter under the influence of LSD.<ref name=lat1990/>

Ellis lived in [[Apple Valley, California|Apple Valley]], California.<ref name=latobit/> He worked in [[Victorville]], California as a drug counselor.<ref name=latobit/><ref name=nyt/><ref name=si/> He also counseled [[prisoner]]s in [[Pittsburgh]] and at a prison in [[Adelanto]], California.<ref name=latobit/> The Yankees hired Ellis in the 1980s to work with their minor league players,<ref>{{cite news|date=April 26, 1986|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-04-26-sp-2374-story.html |title=Names in the News |newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref> including [[Pascual Perez (baseball)|Pascual Perez]], whom he counseled for drug problems.<ref name=latobit/><ref name=lat1990/> In 2005, Ellis began teaching weekly classes for individuals convicted of [[driving under the influence]].<ref name=si/> Ellis also appeared in the 1986 film ''[[Gung Ho (film)|Gung Ho]]'', directed by [[Ron Howard]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.statesman.com/life/newsmakers-entertainment-austin-filmmakers-talk-to-ron-howard-2407415.html |title=Newsmakers Entertainment: Austin filmmakers talk to Ron Howard |last=Barnes |first=Michael |date=June 30, 2012 |work=[[Austin American-Statesman]] |access-date=July 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705085549/http://www.statesman.com/life/newsmakers-entertainment-austin-filmmakers-talk-to-ron-howard-2407415.html |archive-date=July 5, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1989, Ellis served as player/coach for the [[St. Petersburg Pelicans]] of the [[Senior Professional Baseball Association]] and went 0–2 with a 1.76 ERA and seven saves as a part of the team's [[bullpen]].<ref name=lat1990/> In 1990, he allowed no earned runs and recorded two saves for the Pelicans before the league folded. He continued to play in the Los Angeles Veterans League.<ref name="couldn't pitch without pills"/>

Ellis was inducted into the [[Baseball Reliquary]]'s [[Baseball Reliquary#Shrine of the Eternals|Shrine of the Eternals]] in 1999.<ref name="BRSOTE Inductees">[http://www.baseballreliquary.org/awards/shrine-of-the-eternals/shrine-of-the-eternals-electees "Shrine of the Eternals – Inductees"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919092503/http://www.baseballreliquary.org/awards/shrine-of-the-eternals/shrine-of-the-eternals-electees |date=2020-09-19 }}. Baseball Reliquary. Retrieved 2019-08-14.</ref>

Ellis was diagnosed with [[cirrhosis]] in 2007 and was placed on the list for a [[liver transplant]].<ref name="strike back">{{Cite news|last=Elliot|first=Helene|title=Dock Ellis is trying to strike back at a tough foe|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=May 13, 2008|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-elliott13-2008may13,0,2406326.column|access-date=May 13, 2008}}</ref> Although he had no [[health insurance]], friends from his baseball career helped pay his medical bills.<ref name=crasnick/> However, Ellis suffered heart damage in his last weeks of life, which made a transplant impossible.<ref name=latobit/>

Ellis died on December 19, 2008, at [[Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center]] due to his liver ailment.<ref name=crasnick>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=3782859 |title=Former major league pitcher Dock Ellis dies at 63 |first=Jerry |last=Crasnick |work=ESPN.com |date=December 19, 2008|access-date=December 20, 2008}}</ref> Services were held at the [[Angelus Funeral Home]].<ref name=latobit/> He is interred at [[Inglewood Park Cemetery]] in [[Inglewood, California]].

His life was the subject of the 2014 documentary film ''No No: A Dockumentary''.<ref>[https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/no_no_a_dockumentary/ ''No No: A Dockumentary''], Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on March 4, 2017.</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}}
* [[List of Major League Baseball no-hitters]]
{{Clear}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite book|title=Dock Ellis in the Country of Baseball|first1=Donald|last1=Hall|first2=Dock|last2=Ellis|isbn=0-671-65988-X|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|year=1989}}

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

==External links==
{{baseballstats|br=e/ellisdo01|brm=ellis-001doc}}
*[http://blog.wfmu.org/freeform/2009/09/just-what-the-doc-ordered-lsd-and-the-strangest-moment-in-major-league-history.html Elaborate Profile on life of Dock Ellis by Kliph Nesteroff]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080403011128/http://weekendamerica.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/03/28/pitch/ Weekend America Interview with Ellis: Pitching on LSD] by Donnell Alexander and Neille Ilel
*[http://www.legacy.com/PostGazette/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=121603538 Obituary] in the [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]
*{{IMDb name |1821685}}

{{S-start}}
{{s-ach}}
{{Succession box|title=[[No-hitter]] pitcher | before=[[Bob Moose]] |years=June 12, 1970 |after=[[Clyde Wright]]}}
{{S-end}}
{{1971 Pittsburgh Pirates}}
{{Pittsburgh Pirates Opening Day starting pitchers}}
{{AL Comeback Players of the Year}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ellis, Dock}}
[[Category:1945 births]]
[[Category:2008 deaths]]
[[Category:African-American baseball players]]
[[Category:Águilas Cibaeñas players]]
[[Category:American expatriate baseball players in the Dominican Republic]]
[[Category:Alcohol-related deaths in California]]
[[Category:Asheville Tourists players]]
[[Category:Batavia Pirates players]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]
[[Category:Burials at Inglewood Park Cemetery]]
[[Category:Columbus Jets players]]
[[Category:Deaths from cirrhosis]]
[[Category:Deaths from liver disease]]
[[Category:Kinston Eagles players]]
[[Category:Macon Peaches players]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:National League All-Stars]]
[[Category:New York Mets players]]
[[Category:New York Yankees players]]
[[Category:Oakland Athletics players]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Pirates players]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Los Angeles]]
[[Category:St. Petersburg Pelicans players]]
[[Category:Texas Rangers players]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Apple Valley, California]]
[[Category:Gardena High School alumni]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Harbor College alumni]]