Robert Walter Ellis (born July 3, 1950) is an American professional baseball player, coach, and manager.

After a successful collegiate career for the Michigan State Spartans, the Brewers drafted Ellis in 1971 and brought him straight to the major leagues.

Ellis attended Ottawa Hills High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he starred in baseball and American football.

[1] Drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1968, he did not sign, as he hoped for a team that would promote him to the major leagues quickly.

Ellis was the fourth player to go straight to the Major Leagues after being drafted without spending a day in the minors.

Despite hitting .298 in 47 at-bats, the second best batting average on the team, the Brewers demoted Ellis to the Sacramento Solons of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League (PCL) in June, when they acquired Deron Johnson from the Oakland Athletics.

[15] In 1991, Ellis managed the Everett Giants of the Northwest League from August 11 until the end of the season, replacing Mike Bubalo.

[14] He was named hitting instructor for the New Britain Rock Cats of the Class AA Eastern League in 1998, and also served in the role in 1999.

[15] He also wrote a screenplay, titled The Tundra Ghost, which was inspired by his time as an extra on The Slugger's Wife.