There was a long-time ump in the 1960's and 1970's, I think it was Durwood Merrill, who was commenting on the great location pitchers (Koufax, Palmer, Lefty Carlton, etc.) saying they would keep re-defining the outside corner. He said there was none more crafty at just touching the corner as Hunter. He said he would hit it, then go out another quarter inch. If I called it a strike, he'd go out another quarter inch. Until I stopped giving it to him. Then he would stand and stare at me, and start all over again. Nobody could expand the width of the plate with such precision as Catfish.

Entirely a creation of owner Charlie Finley who wanted a countrified name for hs star. Nonetheless it fit extremely well. Hunter was one of my favourite pitchers all-time, both for his performance on the field and his demeanor off it. The sun don't shine on the same dog's ass every day.

Naming teams after animals, especially fish is too common. At least it is a name which is not bad.