On June 12, 1970, Dock Ellis achieved a remarkable feat in Major League Baseball by pitching a no-hitter for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the San Diego Padres. What makes this event particularly noteworthy is Ellis's claim that he accomplished this while under the influence of LSD. This game has since become a legendary moment in baseball history, not only for the athletic achievement but also for the unusual circumstances surrounding it.
The Unusual Preparation
Dock Ellis's
preparation for the game was anything but typical. After the Pirates flew to San Diego on June 11, Ellis visited a friend in Los Angeles. During his stay, he reportedly used LSD "two or three times." Believing it was still Thursday, Ellis took another hit of LSD at noon on Friday. It wasn't until 2:00 p.m. that his friend's girlfriend reminded him he was scheduled to pitch that night. In a rush, Ellis flew from Los Angeles to San Diego, arriving at the stadium just an hour and a half before the game started.
Despite the unconventional lead-up to the game, Ellis took the mound and delivered a performance that would go down in history. He later recounted that he was unable to feel the ball or see the batter or catcher clearly, yet he managed to throw a no-hitter, aided by his catcher Jerry May's reflective tape on his fingers, which helped Ellis see the signals.
The Game Itself
During the game, Ellis walked eight batters and struck out six. He was supported by excellent fielding from his teammates, including second baseman Bill Mazeroski and centerfielder Matty Alou. Ellis described the experience as being in a state of euphoria, with the ball sometimes appearing small and other times large. He recalled hitting a couple of batters and loading the bases multiple times, yet he managed to keep the Padres from scoring.
Ellis's account of the game includes vivid memories of chewing gum until it turned to powder and diving out of the way of a ball he thought was a line drive, only to realize it wasn't hit hard enough to reach him. Despite the chaos, Ellis completed the game without allowing a hit, securing his place in baseball lore.
The Aftermath and Legacy
Ellis later expressed regret over taking LSD that day, feeling it robbed him of his greatest professional memory. The story of the LSD no-hitter was first made public in 1984, and it has since been a topic of debate and fascination. Some, like Bob Smizik of the Pittsburgh Press, believe Ellis's account, while others remain skeptical. Regardless of the differing opinions, the game remains a unique chapter in baseball history, illustrating the unpredictable nature of sports and the human spirit.
