The story of Dock Ellis is coming to the big screen with O’Shea Jackson, Jr. (Straight Outta Compton) attached to star in the title role of Dock. David Permut, Jeff Kwatinetz and Ice Cube are producing from a script by Joey Poach. The project is now on the hunt for a director to helm the project.
Forty-seven years ago one of the most important moments in baseball history was made: Pirates’ player Dock Ellis took to the mound and pitched a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres. Ten years later it was revealed that Ellis accomplished that feat while high on LSD. The ball player was a colorful character — a highly competitive loudmouth who called out racism when he experienced it. For instance, when he wore curlers in his hair at a workout, he was forbidden to do so ever again by the MLB Commissioner. Although he complied, he was quick to point out the hypocrisy as the MLB allowed a white player to wear a bad, shoulder-length toupee at the same time.
After a decade-long career in Major League Baseball (he played with the Pirates, Yankees, Athletics, Rangers and Mets), Ellis admitted he had never pitched a game sober and afterwards sought treatment for his alcohol and drug addiction. Because of what he experienced and learned, Ellis dedicated the rest of his life counseling those suffering from substance abuse problems. He specialized in counseling professional athletes.
