Walter B. Jones: “last week America lost a legendary figure in the game of baseball. The town of Hertford and the State of North Carolina…”

“last week America lost a legendary figure in the game of baseball. The town of Hertford and the State of North Carolina lost a friend and a hero. Hall of Fame pitcher Jim ``Catfish'' Hunter passed away, just one year after being diagnosed with ALS, the same disease that took the life of former Yankee first baseman Lou Gehrig. Mr. Speaker, Jim ``Catfish'' Hunter is a grand example of what a sports hero should be. He played baseball because he loved the game. The success he gained was secondary. During his career, no matter how impressive his accomplishments or how great the public recognition, he never forgot his family or his community. In fact, he lived the kind of life that movies are based on. Jim Hunter was raised in rural eastern North Carolina as the fourth of eight children. As a boy, he excelled in sports. In high school, professional scouts began taking interest in his pitching skills. Hunter's natural talent and dedication to the game led to a remarkable career which elevated a young country boy to a national sports hero. He was given the name Catfish in 1964 when former Oakland A's Charlie Finley signed the 18-year-old to play baseball. Hunter admitted that he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and the A's owner apparently insisted on the name Catfish. Jim Catfish Hunter went on to win five world championship rings and a plaque in baseball's Hall of Fame.”