Ex-pitcher Ellis dies of liver disease (Dock Ellis pitched no-hitter under influence of LSD)

ESPN.com ^ | December 19, 2008 | Jerry Crasnick

[EveningStar]

Dock Ellis, the former major league pitcher best remembered for his flamboyance and social activism as a member of the great Pittsburgh Pirates teams of the 1970s, died Friday of a liver ailment in California, his former agent, Tom Reich, confirmed. Ellis was 63.

Ellis spent 12 years in the majors with Pittsburgh, the New York Yankees, Oakland, Texas and the New York Mets. He retired in 1979 with a record of 138-119, but was best known for several colorful incidents on and off the field.

[Skooz]

Attempting to hit every batter in the Cincinnati Reds lineup on May 1, 1974. In an effort to prove a point to teammates, Ellis hit Pete Rose, Joe Morgan, and Dan Driessen in the top of the first. The clean-up batter Tony Perez avoided Ellis’ attempts, instead drawing a walk, and after two pitches aimed at the head of Johnny Bench, Ellis was removed from the game by manager Danny Murtaugh. Ellis’ box score for the game reads: 0 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K.[5]

That's just awesome.

Just freaking awesome.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

Thank you, it's one of the greatest moments in baseball history.

Torres/Dent Redux at the Old Timer's Day game.

[Dysart]

Don’t forget the Candy Man

Indeed. He's unforgettable.

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.

[OKSooner]

*ahem*

You're aware of course, of the delicious irony that Pete Rose was sent to do his Federal time in the Federal pen in Marion, Illinois.

Ray Fosse's home town.

I hope Mr. Fosse's enjoying the holidays with his family.

[buccaneer81]

One of the worst days ever for a Red Sox fan. And this after blowing a 14 1/2 game lead in late July.