John Hunter’s debut as a softball pitcher wasn’t one a pitcher would like to remember. In fact, Hunter, then 14, got beat 22-1 pitching at Fort Negley Diamonds in Nashville, TN. Hunter more than made up for his inauspicious debut in becoming one of the greatest left-handed pitchers of all-time. After starting his career in 1940, Hunter led Nashville teams to city championships in 1942, 1943, 1944, 1946 and 1948 and to state championships in 1943-1944. In 1950, Hunter joined the famed Clearwater, FL Bombers and achieved a record of 41-2, including winning two games and striking out 29 in the national championship. He helped Clearwater win the national title, the first of 10 titles won by the Bombers. About winning the national title, Hunter said, “Yes, we expected to win it. But no one else expected us too. It was particularly good for me because it was my first year with the team.” In ASA national championship play, Hunter lost only three of 23 games, striking out 236 batters. Three times he was named the tourney MVP (1951, 1953 and 1955) and five times was named an ASA All-American. Hunter died November 7, 2000 at age 75 in Clearwater, FL. During his career with the Bombers Hunter won 275 games and lost only 19 before hip and back problems forced him to retire after the 1958 season after helping the Bombers win four national titles and place runner-up four other times. Hunter posted a 26-2 record that season. Hunter passed away November 7th, 2000 at age 75.
