Now, whether or not he actually threw the no-hitter while “tripping” is something some believe to be false, while I tend to think is true.
Nevertheless, if you haven’t yet PLEASE watch the documentary “No-No”, which is not only an incredible work on the man himself, but gives some stark insight into the game at the dawn of the “wild-70’s”.
Now, as for the game itself, Ellis took the mound for a Pirates team who were at .500 with a 29-29 record, against the second-year San Diego Padres, who were on their way to another loooong Summer, and understandably so.
Ellis was 4-4 at the time, and side-story notwithstanding, went on to walk eight batters while fanning six, and was helped by Hall of Famer Willie Stargell, who clubbed two solo homers off Padres starter Dave Roberts, who pitched a really nice game himself.
By the time the game was over 2 hours and 13 minutes later, Ellis made history with the no-hitter, and of course into sports folklore with the assertion that he did so while on LSD because of he “forgot what day it was” until someone reminded him he was pitching later that evening.
Did it actually happen? Who knows. There are strong opinions on either side of the story from people close to the organization at the time.
But man does it make a great story! Especially as a symbol of that era!
I love me my 1970’s baseball, and this kicks off that decade nicely...