Doc Medich
George Francis "Doc" Medich (born December 9, 1948), is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1972-1982. He was a medical student at the University of Pittsburgh, and acquired the nickname "Doc" during his early baseball career.
Early years
While in college, he pitched for the Pitt baseball team and played tight end on the Pittsburgh Panthers football team. He was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 30th round of the 1970 Major League Baseball Draft, and spent three seasons as a starting pitcher in their farm system, going 21-13 with a 2.27 earned run average. Medich received a call to the majors in September 1972, facing four batters in his major league debut, giving up two singles and two walks.
New York Yankees
From there, Medich improved substantially, as he went 14-9 with a 2.95 ERA in 1973 to finish third in American League Rookie of the Year balloting. He was also the last Yankee winning pitcher at the Original Yankee Stadium, pitching a shutout on September 29, 1973 against the Detroit Tigers. In 1974, Medich won a career high 19 games for the Yankees, tied with teammate Pat Dobson for most wins on the team. Following a 1975 season in which Medich went 16-16 with a 3.50 ERA, the New York Yankees completed one of the better trades in franchise history, sending Medich to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Ken Brett, Dock Ellis and perennial All-Star second baseman Willie Randolph.
