Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No 2010
Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No (2010) dives into one of baseball's most legendary—and controversial—games through a hypnotic blend of animation and oral history.
Director: James Blagden
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No (2010) about?
This short film vividly recreates Dock Ellis's legendary 1970 no-hit game against the Padres, but frames it as a psychedelic retelling through the pitcher's own memories. Using animation and archival audio, it explores the surreal intersection of sports, culture, and Ellis's personal journey during baseball's turbulent era.
Who directed Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No?
The film was directed by James Blagden, whose striking black-and-white animation style brings Ellis's story to life with raw, lo-fi energy.
Who stars in Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No?
The film centers on Dock P. Ellis Jr., whose real-life 2008 interview fuels the narrative, with voice contributions from Donnell Alexander and Neille Ilel.
Is Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No (2010) worth watching?
At just five minutes, this animated short packs a punch with its bold visuals and historic storytelling. Though unrated, its unique approach to sports history makes it a must-see for animation fans and baseball historians alike—especially those curious about the game's counterculture roots.
How long is Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No?
The film runs approximately 5 minutes in length.
About Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No (2010) — The Animated Story Behind Baseball's Trippiest Game
Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No (2010) dives into one of baseball's most legendary—and controversial—games through a hypnotic blend of animation and oral history. This short film reimagines Ellis's 1970 no-hitter against the San Diego Padres, not as a simple sports triumph, but as a surreal, psychedelic odyssey. Using Dock Ellis's own 2008 interview as its spine, the animation by James Blagden bathes the story in stark black-and-white visuals, channeling the era's experimental spirit. The result is a feverish, lo-fi masterpiece that mirrors the cultural upheaval of the 1970s while honoring one of the game's most enduring mavericks.
Stripped of clichés, Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No (2010) transforms a legendary sports moment into a meditation on race, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and perception. Ellis's raw recollection of pitching under the influence becomes a visual and auditory journey, where every frame crackles with the grit of the Pittsburgh Pirates' clubhouse and the counterculture's restless energy. It's a testament to how great storytellers—like Ellis himself—turn personal narratives into something universal.