Dock Ellis, R.I.P.

[Indestructible!]

Just heard that Dock Ellis passed away at the age of 63:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3782859

"We are family..."

R.I.P., Dock... may your spirit continue to soar!

[Matthew]

Yeah, major bummer. That "We Are Family" Pittsburgh Pirate team of the 1970s, to my mind, was one of the most interesting, unique teams in the history of baseball. A great book could be written about it. I remember when they put an all African-American/Hispanic team on the field, there was a ton of ink spilled on that. Doc & Reggie Jackson are linked forever also.

[T.D.]

RIP.

Never read his book (perhaps I should have!), but I recall Ellis, going back to the late '60s, as a big-Afro'd free spirit and even kind of a countercultural figure. He famously claimed to have been tripping when he threw his no-hitter. Despite his time with Texas, NYY and Oakland, I always thought of him as a Pirate.

Edited December 20, 2008 by T.D.

[sheldonm]

...never cared for the Pirates....growing up as a Cards fan...but always thought he was a great pitcher.....RIP

[alocispepraluger102]

13 year major league veteran-----------no medical insurance.

shame on you--major league baseball.