Hunter, James Augustus

▪ 2000

“Catfish” 

      American baseball player (b. April 8, 1946, Hertford, N.C.—d. Sept. 9, 1999, Hertford), was a phenomenal pitcher who helped lead the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees to a total of six American League (AL) pennants and, as the first high-profile free agent, signed a contract that helped to revolutionize the economics of the sport. A likable teammate and stabilizing influence off the field, on the field he outfoxed hitters with his pinpoint control and wide assortment of pitches. Recruited directly out of high school by the then Kansas City Athletics, Hunter began his career in 1965 at the major-league level without ever having played in the minor leagues. The team's flamboyant, publicity-conscious owner, Charles O. Finley, gave Hunter the distinctive nickname “Catfish” and created a fictional account of the name's origin. Hunter pitched well but compiled an unimpressive 55–64 won-lost record during his first five years in baseball. His talent did not go unnoticed, however; he was selected to AL All-Star teams in 1966 and 1967. On May 8, 1968, Hunter pitched a perfect game—a no-run, no-hit game in which he faced the minimum of 27 batters—against the Minnesota Twins, only the seventh perfect game in the modern era. In 1971 he began a stretch of five straight seasons with 21 or more victories. The Athletics rose to prominence with him, winning three World Series titles in 1972–74. After the 1974 season, Hunter uncovered a discrepancy in his contract, and an arbitrator awarded him free agency. He was pursued by several teams and signed a five-year deal with the Yankees worth an unprecedented $3,750,000. With Hunter on board, the Yankees won their first pennant in 12 years in 1976, and World Series titles followed in 1977 and 1978. Hunter finished his career with a record of 224–166 and an earned run average of 3.26. He won the AL Cy Young Award for best pitcher in 1974, played in eight All-Star games, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987.

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