The
next no-hitter featured in my new thread of gems through the decade is
none other than that (in)famous no-no pitched by former Pittsburgh
Pirates pitcher Dock Ellis, who supposedly threw this one while under
the influence of LSD against the San Diego Padres on June 12th or 1970:
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...