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Written by Marty Appel
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Tuesday, 18 March 2008 |
 (Editor's Note) On Sept. 9, 1999, the world said goodbye to Jim Hunter. Better known as "Catfish", the moniker hung on him by Charlie O'Finley, the daffy owner of the Oakland A's, Hunter suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease that attacks nerves in the
spinal cord and brain that control muscle movement. Whether a Yankee fan, A's fan or a pure baseball fan, "Catfish" was a pitcher to admire and cheer for. Shortly before he passed, Marty Appel took a moment to remember his career. As always, Marty's eloquence shines in this piece, originally published in Yankees Magazine. Let's go remember one of the game's greats. - MH
You’ve
spent your whole life depending on your arms and your hands. You grew
up, the youngest
of nine, bonding
with your dad and your
brothers by hunting and fishing. You were given a gift of being able
to hold a baseball and throw it just about as good as anyone who ever
lived. You retired to farm life and the inner peace of working your land
and driving your tractor, while taking your own boys hunting and fishing. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
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