Feeling A Bit Like '78 Catfish...

by Paul Semendinger

June 14, 2026

***

From May 9 to July 17, 1978, Catfish Hunter threw a grand total of one inning for the Yankees. It was a bad period for Catfish who, before he missed all that time due to injury, had won his previous two starts.

It's certainly not the Major Leagues, but, in my season, from April 19 to June 14, 2026, I have thrown a grand total of zero innings for my baseball team.

There was a family visit that made me miss a game Then there are also no games on Mothers' Day and Memorial Day. Then there was a back injury, and before that, an illness, and... all of a sudden, I haven't pitched in almost two months.

The frustrating part is I came into the season in great shape. And my season started so well.

On April 12, Opening Day, I threw five shutout innings, allowing just one hit.

I alternate starts with our other main starting pitcher, so the next week I was in the bullpen and closed out the game throwing two scoreless innings to pick-up the save.

All was well and great.

Until it wasn't.

Sometimes life and other things get in the way.

During a typical season, I normally throw every week. I pitch in our game on Sunday, and then I do a throwing session mid-week to keep my arm strong. But right now, due to many of the factors above, I haven't thrown off a mound in a month.

And yet...

A few hours before this article posted, this morning, I was the starting pitcher for my baseball team for the first time since Opening Day.

My team is slumping, just as the Yankees were in 1978. My coach asked if I was ready to pitch again. My injured back isn't quite sure, but my chiropractor did what he could yesterday to loosen up what has been a lingering (and very frustrating) injury. I told my coach that I would give it a try.

I'm not nervous. Today feels like Opening Day again - except I am usually much better prepared.

My biggest concern before game time is whether or not I can throw strikes and if I have enough "stuff" after this inactive period to get anyone out. (But, to be fair, even on my best days, I seriously wonder if I can get anyone out.)

I'm not 100% yet. My arm isn't as strong as it normally is. By the time you're reading this, the game already started.

I might have given up a bunch of homers and a gazillion runs.

Or, on the other hand, maybe the rest did me good. Maybe I'm throwing a gem!

This is why we play the game. This is the joy of the sport. This is the fun of competition.

Just getting out there to see what is possible...

The other night, having missed pitching so much, I dreamed about being on the mound again. Baseball becomes part of us. It's been part of me for a long time.

Jim Bouton noted how it's the baseball that grips us - not the other way around.

In 1978, ol' Catfish came back and won 7 of his next 8 decisions. He helped the Yankees win it all.

I'm hoping I can do similarly.