'Doc' Medich gets 9-year sentence

George 'Doc' Medich, a former pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates and a Beaver County orthopedic doctor and sports surgeon, has been sentenced to nine years' probation for illegally possessing painkillers.

Defense attorney Lawrence Zurawsky called Medich's actions a 'cry for help' when he wrote 12 false prescriptions in the names of patients so he could obtain painkillers for himself in 1999.

Zurawsky said Medich, 53, has struggled with drug addiction for years and has been in rehabilitation since he was caught with the phony prescriptions.

Medich, who studied medicine while playing baseball and football at the University of Pittsburgh, likely faces at least a one-year suspension of his medical license, Zurawsky said.

Medich spent 10 years in the major leagues, including the 1976 season with the Pirates.

Medich was sentenced to two years' probation and fined $5,000 in 1984 for forging prescriptions for painkillers.

Zurawsky said Medich has closed his private practice - the Beaver County Bone and Joint Clinic in Center Township - and sold his home in New Brighton.