L.A. Times Story on a Critically-Ill Dock Ellis

[SteeleRED]

Great story about the man and his controversial career on and off the field.

The man who spoke out so clearly against racism in baseball talks softly now, his voice weakened by chronic pain and fatigue.

"I was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver the day after Thanksgiving," Dock Ellis said, "and from there I've been a little foggy because I went down about 12 times."

Down, but not out.

Not Dock Phillip Ellis Jr., who has done enough good in this world to be remembered for more than the folly of being high on LSD while he pitched a no-hitter for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the San Diego Padres on June 12, 1970.

Cirrhosis -- commonly but not exclusively caused by alcohol or hepatitis -- has withered his once powerful 6-foot-3, 210-pound body. On Monday, he was put on a list for a liver transplant.

Dock Ellis is trying to strike back at a tough foe

I was always a big Dock Ellis fan when he was a Bucco. He was one of the toughest SOB's I ever saw pitch. I remember being so proud of his choice as starter in the 1971 All-Star game, and how low I felt at day camp the next day (I was 10) when I was mercilessly teased about that incredible bomb Reggie Jackson hit off of him in that game.

I hope he finds that liver, and that some day, he can make peace with our organization. I can't think of a pitcher on our staff who couldn't learn a thing or ten from him.