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Former MSU ace Ellis passes away

Former Bulldog great and MLB All-Star Sammy Ellis died Friday in Temple Terrace, Fla., at the age of 75.

Ellis lettered for the Maroon and White in 1961, a season in which he led the Southeastern Conference with 73 strikeouts and also led the Bulldogs with 57 2/3 innings pitched.

After leaving Starkville, Ellis went on to play seven years in the big leagues. He posted a 63-58 record over 229-career games, and owns a 4.15 ERA. He tallied 677 strikeouts and 18 saves.

His career reached the pinnacle in 1965 when he was named an MLB All-Star while with the Cincinnati Reds after posting a 22-10 record with two saves.