[1] Ellison became one of the more recognizable bench players in the major leagues because he was frequently brought in to pinch run for Barry Bonds.

He began his professional career with rookie-league Salem-Keizer Volcanoes where he led the Northwest League in runs with 67, while ranking third in hits with 90 and tying for seventh with .300 batting average.

In 2002 Ellison split the season between the Class-A San Jose Giants and the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies, skipping the Double-A level altogether.

He made his big league debut that evening against the Atlanta Braves, entering in the ninth inning as a defensive replacement in left field.

Ellison was called up to San Francisco when rosters were expanded on September 1, marking the second time with big league club.

In 2005 Ellison emerged as a pleasant surprise for the Giants, earning the majority of club's starts in center field prior to trade-deadline acquisition of Randy Winn and a late-season injury.

Despite his limited play in the second half, still ranking among National League rookie leaders in runs with 49, hits with 93, doubles with 18, triples with 2, steals with 14, and outfield assists with 5.

The 2006 year was a season of ups and downs for Ellison as he was on the opening-day roster and logged 72 games prior to All-Star Break, but was optioned to Triple-A Fresno before the July 14 second-half opener.

He blistered Pacific Coast League pitching to the tune of a .406 average going 78-for-192 with 18 doubles and 18 RBIs in 46 games before being recalled September 1.

On April 1, 2007, Ellison was traded to the Seattle Mariners for Travis Blackley, where he served much of the 2007 season as a fourth outfielder.

On August 3, 2007, the Seattle Mariners designated Ellison for assignment, making room on their 25-man roster for rookie outfielder Adam Jones to be called up from their Triple-A affiliate, the Tacoma Rainiers.

On January 24, 2008, the Texas Rangers signed Ellison to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

On January 7, 2009, Ellison signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Philadelphia Phillies.