People Named "Catfish"

I have known two people in my life named Catfish . They were both river rats and obviously they caught the most catfish on any given excursion . They were both treasure troves of practical knowledge and lore . Some things I learned hanging out with these two fellows :

* How to shoot a confiscated 6.5mm Carcano Mod.1891 without breaking your shoulder
* How to catch shad and minnows with a seine net
* Where to find the catalpa trees
* How to keep the catalpa worms alive by taking the leaf they are on with them
* How to clean and cook a snapping turtle
* Buy the managers special raw shrimp and mix in a packet of strawberry jello powder for a great catfish bait
* How not to drive a Nash Rambler station wagon at 80 mph on a curvy desert road . Yikes !

Anyone else ever met a person named Catfish ? There is probably a reason they have that name .

Didn't know him. Catfish hunter was the pitcher for NY Yankees in the 70's.

I remember Catfish Hunter from the Athletics (first K.C., then Oakland, after the move).
He pitched in quite a few different World Series games.

His nickname had nothing to do with fishing, nor catfish.
Team owner just felt like his young pitcher needed a catchy nickname.

Bob Dylan wrote a song about Catfish Hunter . It's on the "Desire" album . Kinky Friedmans cover is the best .


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 would not pay.
So he packed his glove and took his arm
And one day he just ran away.
Catfish, million dollar man.
Nobody can throw that ball like catfish can.

{Bob Dylan}