Books and articles about Doc Medich

RELATED LINKS Corrections » Bug #36

In Medich's first major league game (9/5/72 against Baltimore), he drew a walk as the starting pitcher when the Yankees batted around in the top of the first. In the bottom of the inning he failed to retire a batter, and the next day he began his first year of medical school at Pitt. Medich did better in 1973 (14-9, 2.91), and after two more solid years he was traded to his hometown Pirates in the deal that brought the Yankees Willie Randolph, Dock Ellis, Ken Brett, and several pennants. Following a rocky 1976 (8-11, 3.51) and an itinerant 1977 split between three clubs, he settled down in Texas and provided the Rangers with five workmanlike seasons before the Brewers acquired him for their 1982 stretch drive. Medich then retired to practice sports medicine near Pittsburgh. His medical training came in handy before a 1978 game in Baltimore when he saved the life of a stricken fan by performing heart massage. (FDS)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » April 8, 1975: After Rachel Robinson, widow of Jackie, tosses out the first ball in Cleveland, Frank Robinson, the first black manager in ML history, adds a dramatic touch by homering in his first Cleveland at bat (as a DH) during a 5–3 win over the visiting Yankees. For player-manager Robinson, it is his 8th Opening Day home run, setting a ML record. Starter Doc Medich is the loser, going five innings and giving up all five runs. Gaylord goes all the way to win for the Tribe, while Boog Powell backs him, going 3-for-3 with a double and homer. » December 11, 1975: In two separate deals, the Yankees acquire pitchers Dock Ellis and Ken Brett, and 2B Willie Randolph from the Pirates for P Doc Medich; OF Mickey Rivers and P Ed Figueroa from the Angels for OF Bobby Bonds. Randolph will hold down 2B for a decade while Rivers will provide fine CF. Medich will go 8–11 before being traded. » September 17, 1976: The Pirates top the Mets, 4–1, for their 18th win in 22 games. Doc Medich (7–11) picks up the victory. Since August 24th, the Bucs have shaved 12 1/2 games off the Phillies lead. » September 16, 1977: Seattle and Doc Medich beat Kansas City 4–1 to end the Royals' winning streak at 16 games—the longest in the majors in 24 years. » August 11, 1982: The Brewers purchase veteran P Doc Medich from the Rangers. With the addition of Medich, the Brewers will sell Randy Lerch to Montreal on August 14. Doc will win five games for the Brewers. » August 27, 1982: Rickey Henderson steals four bases in Oakland's 5–4 loss to Milwaukee to raise his total to 122 and break Lou Brock's single-season record of 118. The record-breaking 119th steal comes off pitcher Doc Medich and catcher Ted Simmons on a 3rd-inning pitchout. Milwaukee is now six 1/2 games ahead in the American League East.