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Doc Medich

George Francis "Doc" Medich (born December 9, 1948) is an American former pitcher and orthopedic surgeon, renowned for balancing a successful career with his medical training and practice. Medich, a right-handed starting pitcher, played in from 1972 to 1982, appearing for seven teams including the New York Yankees, , , Seattle Mariners, , , and Milwaukee Brewers. Over his 11-season career, he compiled a record of 124 wins and 105 losses with a 3.78 , logging 1,996⅔ innings pitched and 955 strikeouts; he also recorded 16 shutouts and was named Pitcher of the Month for 1974 while with the Yankees. Drafted by the Yankees in the 30th round of the 1970 MLB Draft out of the , where he had excelled in both baseball and pre-med studies, Medich debuted in September 1972 and posted a strong season in 1973 with a 14-9 record and 2.95 . What set Medich apart was his unprecedented dual career path: he attended at the while playing professionally, even studying during , and earned his MD degree in 1977 before completing his residency. He is believed to be the last major-league player to simultaneously practice as a licensed , retiring from after the 1982 season to focus full-time on , where he worked as an in . Born in , as the only child of steelworker David Medich and homemaker Esther Medich, he married Donna Lynn Creekmore in 1970 and has two children, Kelly and Mickey.

Early life

Childhood and family background

George Francis Medich, known as Doc Medich, was born on December 9, 1948, in . He was the only child of and (Mason) Medich; his father, an Ohio native, worked as a carpenter at the Jones & Laughlin , contributing to the family's involvement in the local industrial community. The Medich family maintained strong ties to their Serbian heritage through active participation in the St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa, which influenced their cultural life amid the town's immigrant-rooted population. Raised in Aliquippa, a thriving steel town in Beaver County during the post-World War II era, Medich grew up in a working-class environment that afforded a middle-class lifestyle. He attended Five Points Elementary School, where he first engaged with organized sports, starting at age 8 and developing a passion for athletics in a community renowned for its competitive spirit. By high school at Hopewell, Medich's early exposure to sports blossomed; he excelled in baseball and football, becoming a three-sport standout in a setting that emphasized physical prowess and teamwork. From a young age, Medich also displayed initial academic interests leaning toward medicine, balancing his athletic pursuits with aspirations in the field inspired by the disciplined, service-oriented values of his family and local community.

College education and athletics

Medich enrolled at the in 1967, pursuing a while participating in both and as a scholarship athlete. He balanced rigorous academic demands, including chemistry coursework that culminated in his in 1970, with athletic commitments during a period when he was determined to prepare for a medical career. In , Medich played as a and split end for the from to 1969, contributing during the team's challenging stretch with a combined 6-24 record. As a , he recorded 23 receptions for 269 yards and one in , followed by 28 receptions for 330 yards and two s in ; he also served as the team's punter in multiple seasons. His size (6-foot-5, over 200 pounds) and athleticism made him a reliable target and special teams contributor, though the Panthers struggled overall. On the diamond, Medich excelled as a for the Pitt , posting a 4-2 record with a 1.64 in 1969 and a 5-2 mark with a 2.43 in 1970. These performances earned him consecutive selections to the Tri-State College All-Star team, highlighting his status as one of the top hurlers in the region. His dual-sport prowess, combined with his pre-med focus, led to the nickname "Doc," which teammates and coaches used to reflect his academic ambitions. Following his selection in the 30th round of the 1970 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees, Medich opted to sign a professional contract while committing to continue his medical education part-time at the School of Medicine, viewing as a means to fund his long-term goal of becoming a . This decision, influenced by his Aliquippa roots and family emphasis on education, allowed him to navigate the transition from college athletics to without abandoning his studies.

Baseball career

Draft and minor leagues

Medich's standout performance as a pitcher for the , where he earned All-American honors, led to his selection by the New York Yankees in the 30th round of the 1970 MLB , as the 688th overall pick. Despite the late-round status, the Yankees viewed his potential highly, signing him to a professional contract shortly after. Upon entering the Yankees' minor league system, Medich began his professional career in 1970 with short-season Class A affiliates, splitting time between the Manchester Yankees in the (0-5, 4.93 in 42 , 18 strikeouts) and the Oneonta Yankees in the New York-Penn League (3-1, 1.45 in 31 , 32 strikeouts). His season was abbreviated as he prioritized his medical studies, but he showed promise with strong command and . In 1971, Medich advanced to the full-season Class A Kinston Eagles in the , where he posted a solid 7-4 record with a 2.43 over 74 , striking out 72 batters and demonstrating improved consistency. By 1972, he reached Double-A with the West Haven Yankees in the Eastern League, excelling with an 11-3 mark, a 1.44 in 119 , and 70 strikeouts, which highlighted his rapid development as a starter capable of dominating higher-level competition. Throughout his tenure from 1970 to 1972, Medich faced significant challenges in balancing his burgeoning career with his ongoing at the University of School of Medicine. He routinely missed to attend classes and exams, instead coordinating with the Yankees to pitch batting practice during the offseason to stay sharp. This dual commitment tested his endurance, as he traveled between minor league cities and Pittsburgh, yet it underscored his determination to pursue both paths simultaneously, ultimately completing key coursework while posting progressively better results on the mound.

New York Yankees tenure

George Medich, known as "Doc," made his debut with the New York Yankees on September 5, 1972, against the Orioles at Memorial Stadium in . In his brief appearance, the 23-year-old right-hander faced four batters without recording an out, allowing two hits and two walks while surrendering two earned runs before being relieved. This debut came late in the season after Medich had impressed in the minors, marking the beginning of his transition to the Yankees' rotation. In the 1973 season, Medich established himself as a key member of the Yankees' starting rotation, posting a 14–9 record with a 2.95 over 34 appearances, including 32 starts and 235 innings pitched. His performance ranked fifth in the for ERA and earned him third place in Rookie of the Year voting, highlighting his reliability as a workhorse who completed 11 games. One standout moment came on September 29, 1973, when Medich secured a 3–0 victory over the Detroit Tigers at the original , marking the final win at the venue before renovations forced the team to play at the following year. Medich's 1974 campaign represented the pinnacle of his Yankees tenure, as he achieved a career-high 19 wins against 15 losses with a 3.60 in 38 starts, leading the with 38 starts (tied) and ranking 11th in complete games (17) and eighth in (279⅔). This workload and win total placed him among the league's top performers, earning strong consideration despite not making the roster. His endurance and consistency helped anchor the rotation for a Yankees team that finished second in the East. On December 11, 1975, following three full seasons with the Yankees, Medich was traded to the in a multi-player deal that sent him to his hometown team in exchange for pitchers and , along with infielder . This transaction signaled the end of his foundational years in , where he had compiled a 53–39 record over four seasons.

Pittsburgh Pirates season

Medich joined the via a trade from the New York Yankees on December 11, 1975, in exchange for pitchers and along with infielder . Entering the 1976 season, he adapted to the Pirates' rotation in the , where the team competed closely for the division title under manager . The Pirates posted a 92-70 record, finishing second, 10 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies, with Medich serving as a key starter in their push. In 29 appearances, including 26 starts, Medich compiled an 8-11 record with a 3.51 over 179⅓ , striking out 86 batters while walking 48. His performance provided solid middle-rotation support amid a staff led by and , helping stabilize the Pirates during a season marked by offensive contributions from and . A highlight came on April 16 at , where Medich earned a complete-game victory over the in his home debut. Off the field, Medich drew attention on April 11, 1976, during a game at against the Phillies, when he rushed into the stands to perform CPR on a 73-year-old fan suffering a heart attack; despite his efforts, the fan died later that day. This incident underscored his dual identity as a physician-in-training while contributing to ' competitive effort in race.

1977 multi-team season

Medich began the 1977 season with the after being traded from the on March 15, along with , Doug Bair, Dave Giusti, Rick Langford, and , in exchange for Chris Batton, , and . With Oakland, he made 25 starts over 26 appearances, posting a 10–6 record with a 4.69 across 147⅔ , allowing 155 hits, 19 home runs, and striking out 74 batters. On September 13, Medich was sold by the to the expansion Seattle Mariners, where he provided a brief boost to the young franchise with three starts, going 2–0 with a 3.63 ERA in 22⅓ innings, highlighted by a complete-game victory on September 16 that ended the ' 16-game winning streak. His time in Seattle ended quickly when he was claimed off waivers by the on September 26; in his only appearance for the Mets, a single start on October 2, he allowed three runs over seven innings in a 3–0 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Across the three teams, Medich finished the year with a 12–7 , a 4.53 , and 80 strikeouts in 177 over 29 starts in 30 games, marking a step back from his prior production amid the upheaval. The frequent transactions—his fifth uniform in under a year—stemmed from his dissatisfaction with the initial Pirates trade, which disrupted his medical residency plans in and led to threats of retirement, ultimately contributing to a period of professional instability that hindered consistent performance and delayed his career stabilization.

Texas Rangers years

Medich signed with the as a on November 11, 1977, securing a four-year contract worth $1 million following his tumultuous 1977 season that involved trades to three teams. Over his five seasons with the Rangers from 1978 to 1982, he compiled a 50–43 record with a 3.95 in 132 appearances, primarily as a , logging 790.1 and seven shutouts. In 1978, Medich went 9–8 with a 3.74 over 171 in 28 games, including 22 starts and two , establishing himself as a reliable member of the Rangers' rotation. That July 17, during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Memorial Stadium, Medich rushed into the stands to perform CPR on a suffering a heart attack, an act that highlighted his medical background and helped save the individual's life. The following year, 1979, he posted a 10–7 record with a 4.17 in 29 games, featuring a two-hit against the Red Sox. By 1980, Medich anchored the rotation with a team-high 14 wins against 11 losses, a 3.92 , and a career-best 204.1 in 34 starts, contributing to the Rangers' 76–85 finish. Medich's most standout performance came in the strike-shortened 1981 season, where he achieved a 10–6 record with a 3.08 ERA in 20 starts, tying for the lead with four s and leading the Rangers in at 143.1. His efforts included a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the and a two-hit over the California Angels on September 19. These contributions helped the Rangers to a 57–48 overall record, including a strong 33–22 first half that placed them second in the AL West before the players' strike. Although not a formal award contender, Medich's consistency earned him recognition as one of the league's top workhorse pitchers that year. In 1982, Medich struggled with a 7–11 record and 5.06 in 21 starts for , hampered by a midseason diagnosis of that sidelined him briefly. On , the Rangers sold his contract to the Brewers, marking the end of his tenure in after he had announced the season as his last to prioritize completing his medical residency amid the rigors of travel.

Milwaukee Brewers stint

Medich joined the Milwaukee Brewers on August 11, 1982, when the team purchased his contract from the amid a disappointing season for him there, where he posted a 7-11 record with a 5.06 in 21 starts. In his brief stint with Milwaukee, Medich made 10 starts, compiling a 5-4 record with a 5.00 over 63 , providing depth to the rotation during the team's late-season surge. The Brewers, bolstered by Medich's contributions alongside stars like Jim Slaton and , clinched the title with a 95-67 record, marking their first division championship and earning a spot in the postseason for the first time in franchise history. Medich's steady outings helped stabilize the pitching staff as overcame a midseason slump to win the AL pennant after defeating the California Angels in the Championship Series. In the against the St. Louis Cardinals, Medich made his only postseason appearance in on October 16 at , entering in relief during a lopsided 13-1 loss that sealed the Brewers' defeat in seven games. He pitched 2 innings, allowing 6 runs (4 earned) on 5 hits and 1 walk, with no strikeouts, as the Cardinals erupted offensively to clinch the series 4-3. Following the loss, Medich announced his retirement from baseball at age 33, citing the rigors of travel and his desire to prioritize his medical career, effectively ending a 11-year tenure. Over his career, he amassed a 124-105 record with a 3.78 and 955 strikeouts in 1,996⅔ innings across seven teams, reflecting on as a fulfilling but demanding chapter before fully transitioning to .

Post-baseball career

Medical training completion

Medich completed his (MD) degree from the School of Medicine in January 1977, just weeks before being traded from the to the , allowing him to finish his while actively playing . This achievement marked the culmination of his formal medical schooling, which he had begun in 1970 alongside his athletic pursuits, often balancing rigorous coursework with MLB demands. Following his retirement from after the 1982 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, Medich fully committed to completing his orthopaedic residency at of , which he had begun around 1980 during his playing career, including time at Fort Worth while with the in the late 1970s and early 1980s, where earnings supported his ongoing education and training expenses. By 1981, he was in his second year of this residency, demonstrating his determination to advance in despite the physical toll of his athletic career. Medich obtained his medical license in the early 1980s, enabling supervised practice during residency, and achieved in orthopaedic surgery upon completing his training around 1985. His experiences performing CPR on fans during games in 1974 and 1978 served as early applications of his medical knowledge, bridging his dual careers. The shift from professional athlete to presented challenges, including adjusting to the structured demands of residency after the flexibility of MLB schedules and forgoing offers to serve as a team to focus on independent practice. Throughout his career, Medich engaged in to maintain certification, emphasizing in orthopaedics.

Orthopaedic practice and notable incidents

After completing his medical training, George Medich established an orthopaedic practice in the 1980s, specializing in through the Beaver County Bone and Joint Clinic in Center Township, Pennsylvania, where he was associated with Dr. Mickey Zernich. His work focused on treating musculoskeletal injuries, drawing on his unique background as a former professional to inform patient care in areas like and conditions common in sports. One of Medich's most notable interventions occurred on , 1976, during a Pittsburgh Pirates game against the Philadelphia Phillies at . As Medich, then a medical student, walked from the to the field during pregame warmups, he noticed 73-year-old fan of , , collapse in the stands from an apparent heart attack; Corbett had a prior history of such episodes. Medich immediately leaped over the railing, performed by pounding on Corbett's chest and administering for approximately 20 minutes, and directed stadium personnel to call for an . Despite these efforts, Corbett was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital shortly after. Two years later, on July 17, 1978, Medich again applied his medical knowledge during a game against the Baltimore at Memorial Stadium. Hearing calls for a from the stands, the then-pitcher rushed to assist 61-year-old Orioles fan Germain Languth, who had suffered a heart attack. Medich performed and external cardiac massage, maintaining the man's vital signs until arrived and transported him to a hospital. Languth survived the incident, crediting Medich's prompt actions with his recovery. In his practice, Medich contributed to by leveraging his dual experience as an athlete and , notably discussing the ethical and practical challenges faced by team physicians in a 1981 article where he highlighted conflicts of interest and the need for impartial care in settings. He treated various patients, including athletes, emphasizing and , and held membership in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons prior to later disciplinary actions.

Legal challenges and outcomes

In November 1983, George "Doc" Medich, then an orthopedic surgeon in , was charged with seven counts of improperly prescribing the narcotic painkiller Percodan to friends and family members without medical justification. Medich pleaded guilty to three of the counts in March 1984 as part of a plea deal, resulting in a sentence of two years' and a $5,000 fine imposed by Allegheny County Common Pleas Court Judge Raymond Novak. Nearly two decades later, in , Medich faced renewed legal scrutiny for similar misconduct. He was convicted on 12 counts of possession of controlled substances after admitting to writing false prescriptions in patients' names for personal use of painkillers, including Percocet, in 1999. The Beaver County Court sentenced him to nine years' in March 2001, with his facing at least a one-year suspension as a professional repercussion. Following the 2001 conviction, he was expelled from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These convictions led to significant limitations on Medich's medical , including the revocation of his ability to prescribe controlled substances through the , prompting a shift away from roles involving narcotics and active toward non-prescribing administrative or consultative duties. Medich completed his without further reported violations, and as of 2017, he continued to maintain an orthopedic in the area.

References

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