Ridiculous History: CLASSIC - Dock Ellis and the Legend of the LSD No-Hitter
Host: Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown
Podcast: Ridiculous History by iHeartRadio
Release Date: December 21, 2024
Introduction
In this classic episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown delve into one of baseball's most extraordinary and bizarre tales: Dock Ellis pitching a no-hitter while under the influence of LSD. Blending the worlds of sports and psychedelics, the episode explores the veracity of the story, the cultural backdrop of the era, and Dock Ellis's enduring legacy both on and off the field.
The Story of Dock Ellis' LSD No-Hitter
[00:36] Ben Bowlin:
“We dive into this thoroughly ridiculous, absolutely true story of how Doc Ellis became Beat me here Max a legend.”
Dock Ellis, a dynamic pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is said to have thrown a no-hitter in 1970 while experiencing the effects of LSD. The episode sets the scene on June 12, 1970, a time when the vibrant and unbridled culture of the 60s was still palpable.
[07:11] Noel Brown:
“It was a Friday on June 12th of 1970, right on the tail end of the roaring 60s... Doc Ellis had just arrived at the stadium in San Diego, California to be the starting pitcher for a game against the San Diego Padres.”
However, Ellis was not in a typical state of readiness. He had spent the previous day indulging in partying and had taken LSD, leading to a highly altered state of consciousness. Unaware that he was scheduled to start the game, Ellis was alerted by a friend as he was coming down from the drug.
[09:02] Noel Brown:
“So he got all his stuff together, ran to the airport while tripping on LSD, caught an afternoon flight, and a cab directly to the stadium.”
Despite these unusual circumstances, Ellis pitched remarkably well, recording a no-hitter—a rare feat in baseball—with 276 recorded in 136 years of history. Astonishingly, no one knew about his LSD use at the time.
[12:28] Noel Brown:
“He pitched a no hitter... And as far as we know, this is the only one that occurred under the influence of LSD.”
This astonishing performance wasn't confirmed until 14 years later when Ellis shared his experience with a reporter, adding layers of intrigue and skepticism to the legend.
Verification and Controversies Surrounding the Story
[14:29] Ben Bowlin:
“That makes it sound much more likely that Leary... learned of this experience afterwards rather than beforehand.”
Ellis attributed his LSD use to Timothy Leary, a prominent figure in the psychedelic movement. However, this claim is fraught with inconsistencies. Leary was incarcerated at the time Ellis alleged he provided the LSD, leading many to question the authenticity of Ellis's account.
[14:46] Ben Bowlin:
“And people on Leary's side don't agree.”
Leary's archivist, Michael Horowitz, dismissed the claim as "almost definitely bogus," further muddying the waters around Ellis's legendary game.
[25:06] Ben Bowlin:
“Doc Ellis may have been the only person on the field on LSD, but that doesn't mean he was the only person on the field on drugs in an altered state.”
The episode highlights that while Ellis's performance on LSD is exceptional, drug use in baseball during that era was not uncommon. Amphetamines were prevalent among players as a means to cope with the demands of the game.
[19:50] Ben Bowlin: “Picture this. You're in the garage, your favorite room in the house, and you're tuning up your engine with parts you found on eBay.”
(Note: The above timestamp seems to lead into an advertisement and should be excluded. The discussion on amphetamines and other drug use continues thereafter.)
Dock Ellis' Life and Legacy
Beyond the no-hitter, Dock Ellis was a pivotal figure in baseball and American culture. Known for his flamboyant personality and outspoken stance against racism, Ellis used his platform to advocate for social change.
[16:34] Noel Brown:
“He was a flashy guy... one of the first guys to wear an earring.”
Ellis's actions off the field were as impactful as his performance on it. He played a significant role in promoting racial equality within baseball, influenced by mentors like Roberto Clemente.
[40:28] Ben Bowlin:
“Try to get more players to understand your views and you will find great support.”
After retiring in 1980, Ellis overcame his struggles with addiction and dedicated his life to helping others achieve sobriety. Despite his tumultuous career, he left a lasting positive impact on countless individuals battling addiction.
[43:35] Ben Bowlin:
“...you are telling a story about a man who struggled first to save himself, then to improve society, and then ultimately to save others that he met in similar situations.”
Ellis's legacy is a testament to his resilience and commitment to making a difference, transcending the singular, sensational story of his LSD no-hitter.
Conclusion
Dock Ellis's story is a multifaceted narrative that intertwines athletic prowess, personal struggles, and social activism. While the legend of pitching a no-hitter on LSD captivates the imagination, it's essential to recognize Ellis's broader contributions and the complexities of his life. Ridiculous History not only recounts an extraordinary baseball anecdote but also honors the enduring legacy of a man who used his experiences to foster positive change.
Notable Quotes:
-
Ben Bowlin [00:36]:
“We dive into this thoroughly ridiculous, absolutely true story of how Doc Ellis became Beat me here Max a legend.” -
Noel Brown [12:28]:
“He pitched a no hitter... And as far as we know, this is the only one that occurred under the influence of LSD.” -
Ben Bowlin [43:35]:
“...you are telling a story about a man who struggled first to save himself, then to improve society, and then ultimately to save others that he met in similar situations.”
Further Resources
- ESPN Article: The Long Strange Trip of Doc Ellis: Meet the Man Behind Baseball's Most Psychedelic Myth by Patrick Hruby.
- Documentary: No, No: A Documentary available on Amazon Prime.
- Documentary Clip: Animated short by No Mas featuring audio from Ellis's 2008 NPR interview.
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This summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, focusing on the intriguing story of Dock Ellis while excluding advertisements and non-content sections. For a deeper dive, listeners are encouraged to explore the recommended articles and documentaries.