Dock Ellis was born on this date in 1945, in Los Angeles, California.
Ellis signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1964 and made his MLB debut in 1968.
Throughout his playing career, Ellis achieved remarkable milestones, including pitching a no-hitter on June 12, 1970, while reportedly under the influence of LSD. His best year was 1971 when he was an all-star (& 19 game winner) and helped lead the Pirates to the championship.
Beyond his success with the Pirates, Ellis also contributed significantly to the teams he joined thereafter, including the New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, and New York Mets.
After retiring in 1979, Ellis transitioned into a role that allowed him to use his experiences to help others, becoming a drug counselor focusing on substance abuse. Ellis also continued the work he did as a player in being an outspoken advocate for players' rights and against racial inequality.
Happy birthday to Dock Ellis!
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