Jim 'Catfish' Hunter

I remember getting this card back when it was first issued. It was always one of my favorites.

I picked up a signed copy back around '90 or '91. Trust me, I didn't have to think twice about buying it. With a nickname like Catfish you had to be good. Cy Young winner...8 time All-Star...one of the few who ever pitched a perfect game...HOF'er.

Wow!

And how can you not love a guy who had so many great sayings, like, for example ""The sun don't shine on the same dog's ass all the time."

I don't remember how much I paid but I don't think it was too much. Regardless, it's one of my best signed cards.

Catfish passed away nearly ten years ago at the young age of 53 as the result of a tragic accident. RIP Catfish.

I'll end this now with a little Bob Dylan:

Lazy stadium night
Catfish on the mound.
"Strike three," the umpire said,
Batter have to go back and sit down.

Catfish, million-dollar-man,
Nobody can throw the ball like Catfish can.

Used to work on Mr. Finley's farm
But the old man wouldn't pay
So he packed his glove and took his arm
An' one day he just ran away.

Catfish, million-dollar-man,
Nobody can throw the ball like Catfish can.

Come up where the Yankees are,
Dress up in a pinstripe suit,
Smoke a custom-made cigar,
Wear an alligator boot.

Catfish, million-dollar-man,
Nobody can throw the ball like Catfish can.

Carolina born and bred,
Love to hunt the little quail.
Got a hundred-acre spread,
Got some huntin' dogs for sale.

Catfish, million-dollar-man,
Nobody can throw the ball like Catfish can.

Reggie Jackson at the plate
Seein' nothin' but the curve,
Swing too early or too late
Got to eat what Catfish serve.

Catfish, million-dollar-man,
Nobody can throw the ball like Catfish can.

Even Billy Martin grins
When the Fish is in the game.
Every season twenty wins
Gonna make the Hall of Fame.

Catfish, million-dollar-man,
Nobody can throw the ball like Catfish can.