Richard Clark (Dick) Ellsworth was born on March 22, 1940 in Lusk, Wyoming to Virgil and Catherine Ellsworth and passed away on October 10, 2022. When Dick was 3 years old the family moved to Fresno, California. Dick attended Fresno High School where he excelled in baseball. He was the starting pitcher on the legendary 1958 Fresno High team considered by many to be the best High School baseball team in California history. A few days after High School graduation, Dick signed a “Bonus Baby” contract with the Chicago Cubs and pitched a complete game shutout against the cross-town rival White Sox in their annual exhibition game.
On November 7, 1959 he married his High School sweetheart, Jean Schilling. Dick & Jean had son Steven in 1960, and daughter Kimberly in 1963. In 1963, at age 23, Dick finished the season with a record of 22-10 for the Cubs and was runner up for the Cy Young Award behind Hall of Famer Sandy Kofax. In 1964 Dick was a member of the National League All Star team. Dick’s Major League baseball career lasted 11 years and also included stints with the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers. Dick was inducted into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame in 1963.
After his baseball career, Dick entered the Real Estate profession and spent nearly 50 years with Pearson Realty. He loved his work, his associates and his clients. He was also a member of North Fresno Rotary, a Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame Board member, and a former part owner of the Fresno Grizzlies. Dick and Jean were also long-time members of First Presbyterian Church. Dick and Jean were married for 61 years until Jean passed away in 2021. Together they enjoyed spending their free time in Morro Bay and traveling the world.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Patricia and Barbara. He is survived by his brother Jon, son Steve (Molly) and daughter Kim (Paul) Enos, 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Friday Nov. 4 at 11am at First Presbyterian Church in Fresno. Remembrances may be made to First Presbyterian Church or The Boys and Girls Clubs of Fresno County.
