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Catfish Hunter

James Augustus "Catfish" Hunter (April 8, 1946 – September 9, 1999) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played 15 seasons in (MLB) for the (1965–1974) and New York Yankees (1975–1979), amassing a career record of 224 wins, 166 losses, a 3.26 (ERA), and 2,012 strikeouts over 3,449 . Known for his pinpoint control and performance in crucial games, Hunter pitched the 's first perfect game in 46 years on May 8, 1968, against the at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. He earned eight selections, the 1974 Cy Young Award with a league-leading 25 wins, and five championships—three consecutive with the Athletics (1972–1974) and two with the Yankees (1977–1978)—establishing him as one of the era's premier right-handed starters. Born in , Hunter grew up on a and developed his talent at Perquimans County High School, where he excelled as a and . In his senior year, a hunting accident caused by his brother's shotgun severely injured his right foot, resulting in the loss of a and embedded pellets that affected his mobility throughout his career, yet he signed as an amateur with the Kansas City Athletics (later relocated to Oakland) in 1964 at age 18. Oakland owner Charles O. Finley bestowed the nickname "" on the young prospect in 1965 to create a more memorable persona, drawing from Hunter's rural roots and love of fishing, which stuck despite initial family resistance. Hunter made his MLB debut on May 13, 1965, against the , marking the start of a tenure with the Athletics that included four straight 20-win seasons from 1971 to 1974. Hunter's career pivoted dramatically in December 1974 when an arbitrator ruled in his favor after Finley breached a contract clause by failing to pay $50,000 into an annuity fund, declaring him the first major free agent in modern baseball history and opening the floodgates for player mobility. He signed a groundbreaking five-year, $3.25 million contract with the Yankees in late 1974, including a $1 million signing bonus and deferred payments, which shattered salary records and symbolized the shift toward player empowerment in the sport. With New York, Hunter contributed to back-to-back World Series victories, going 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA in 1978 postseason play, though arm injuries curtailed his final years, leading to retirement at age 33 after the 1979 season. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987 on his first ballot with 76.3% of the vote, Hunter returned to North Carolina post-retirement, managing family farmland and supporting youth baseball initiatives. Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1998, he succumbed to complications from the disease at his Hertford home on September 9, 1999, at age 53, prompting the establishment of the Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Foundation in his honor.

Early life

Family background and childhood

James Augustus Hunter was born on April 8, 1946, in , the youngest of eight children to Abbott Hunter, a and , and his wife Millie, a homemaker. Growing up in rural Perquimans County, the Hunter family lived a modest life centered on their farm, where they tended crops and managed daily chores that demanded diligence and cooperation among the siblings. Abbott and Millie emphasized the values of hard work, family unity, and self-reliance, shaping young Jimmy's character through the rigors of farm life; his older brothers, including , often guided him in outdoor pursuits and even taught him the fundamentals of pitching. The family's sharecropping roots on a and instilled a profound sense of discipline in Hunter, as the children contributed to planting, harvesting, and maintaining the land from an early age. This environment fostered close-knit family dynamics, with siblings sharing responsibilities and recreational activities that built and camaraderie. Hunter developed an early passion for , , and , activities that reflected his love for the outdoors and provided escape from duties; his affinity for and later inspired the fabricated tales behind his professional , though in truth, it stemmed from his genuine rural interests rather than any childhood escapades. A pivotal event in Hunter's childhood occurred on Day 1963, at age 17, during a return from a rabbit hunt with his brother. Hunter's right foot was accidentally wounded when his brother Pete's discharged, causing him to lose his small , suffer multiple broken bones, and have dozens of shotgun pellets embedded in the foot. He required two surgeries to remove some pellets and multiple follow-up medical visits over the following months to extract more, though he recovered sufficiently to pursue his ambitions.

High school career and entry into professional baseball

Hunter attended Perquimans County High School in , where he distinguished himself as a multi-sport , particularly in as both a and a hitter. During his sophomore year, he compiled an 8-5 record on the mound, showcasing early promise. In his junior year, Hunter went 13-1, leading the Perquimans Pirates to the Class AA state championship, a feat that highlighted his dominance on the diamond. One of his most remarkable performances came in a 12-inning game where he struck out 29 batters, demonstrating exceptional control and stamina that drew attention from professional scouts. In November 1963, during his senior year, Hunter suffered a severe when his brother accidentally discharged a , wounding his right foot; he lost his small toe and had dozens of pellets lodge in the foot, causing broken bones and requiring surgery. This injury delayed his professional training and prevented him from playing during the 1964 season, but it underscored his resilience, as he continued to pursue his ambitions despite the setback. Growing up on a instilled in him a strong that helped him overcome such challenges. Scouts from the Kansas City Athletics took notice of Hunter's talent in 1964, leading to his signing as an amateur free agent on June 8, 1964, for a $75,000 shortly after turning 18. The substantial bonus reflected his status as one of the top high school prospects, though the recent injury limited his immediate participation. Due to the foot surgery, Hunter did not make a debut in 1964 and instead prepared for a direct transition to the following year, bypassing extended minor league seasoning.

Professional baseball career

Kansas City/Oakland Athletics tenure (1965–1974)

Jim "Catfish" Hunter made his major league debut on May 13, 1965, at age 19, pitching two scoreless innings of relief for the Kansas City Athletics against the at . Under manager , who guided the Athletics from 1961 to 1966, Hunter transitioned from a raw prospect to a reliable starter, appearing in 28 games that rookie season with a 1-1 record and 4.25 ERA while learning the nuances of professional pitching in a struggling franchise. He secured his first major league victory on July 27, 1965, against the Boston Red Sox at , marking the beginning of his ascent in the . The Athletics relocated from Kansas City to Oakland in 1968, entering a new era at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, where Hunter entered his fourth season as a key part of the pitching staff. Athletics owner had coined Hunter's enduring nickname "" in 1965 to enhance his marketability, drawing from a fabricated of youthful adventures to create a colorful for the young hurler. Just weeks into the Oakland tenure, on May 8, 1968, Hunter pitched the ninth in history—and the first regular-season in the since 1922—against the , retiring all 27 batters in a 4-0 victory while contributing three hits and three RBIs offensively. This feat, achieved with 11 strikeouts and precise control, solidified Hunter's reputation as an emerging ace for the franchise. Hunter's performance elevated dramatically in the early , anchoring the ' rotation during their rise to contention. He achieved 20 or more wins in each season from 1971 to , including 21 victories in 1971 (21-11, 2.96 ), 1972 (21-7, 2.04 ), 1973 (21-5, 3.34 ), and a league-leading 25 in (25-12, 2.49 ). His dominant 1974 campaign, highlighted by exceptional command and durability over 318 innings, earned him the , recognizing him as the top pitcher in the league that year. As a cornerstone of Oakland's pitching staff, Hunter played a pivotal role in the Athletics' three consecutive World Series championships from 1972 to 1974, appearing in all three Fall Classics with a combined 4-0 record and 2.32 ERA over 36 2/3 innings, including key ALCS performances such as a complete-game shutout in 1972 Game 5 vs. the Tigers and a complete game win in 1973 vs. the Orioles. In the 1972 postseason, he delivered a complete-game shutout in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Detroit Tigers, scattering five hits in a 5-0 victory that helped clinch the series. During the 1972 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds, Hunter started Game 2 and carried a shutout into the ninth inning before yielding a run, securing a 2-1 win that evened the series. In 1973, he started Game 3 of the World Series versus the New York Mets, pitching 6.1 strong innings in a 3-2 victory, while in 1974 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he earned a win starting Game 3 (7 1/3 IP, 1 ER) and a save in Game 1. These efforts exemplified his poise in high-stakes games, contributing to the Athletics' dynasty under the volatile leadership of Finley. The ' success under Finley was marked by colorful team dynamics, including his 1972 promotion of with a $300 bonus for players growing mustaches by , sparking the "Mustache Gang" that defied baseball's conservative norms and boosted the team's rebellious identity. However, Finley's frugal policies and frequent threats to stars like Hunter fostered underlying player tensions, exemplified by fines for minor infractions and disputes over pay that strained relations within the clubhouse despite the on-field triumphs. These elements created a high-pressure , briefly referenced in Hunter's later grievance that paved the way for his free agency.

1974 free agency dispute

In February 1974, Jim "Catfish" Hunter signed a two-year contract with the worth $100,000 annually for the 1974 and 1975 seasons, with $50,000 of each year's compensation to be paid directly as and the remaining $50,000 deferred into an fund managed by an insurance company selected by Hunter, with payments due by November 1 of each year. As the deadline approached for the 1974 deferred portion, Athletics owner Charles O. Finley delayed the payment and, after Hunter designated a insurance firm, Finley instead mailed the check on December 6 to his own Kansas City-based company, Robert M. Elliott & Co., Inc., claiming it fulfilled the obligation despite Hunter's explicit rejection of that entity. This maneuver, which Finley defended as "substantial compliance" with the contract terms, prompted Hunter to declare the agreement breached and file a grievance with the on December 6, 1974, seeking to void the deal entirely. The dispute escalated to an arbitration hearing on November 26, 1974, in before impartial arbitrator Peter Seitz, with Hunter represented by attorneys Cherry and Joe Flythe. During the proceedings, Finley argued that the late payment and choice of insurer were minor technicalities that did not warrant nullifying the contract, while Hunter's side emphasized the explicit language requiring timely deposit into his chosen provider to secure his financial future. On December 16, 1974, Seitz ruled in Hunter's favor, determining that Finley's failure to make the payments on time and to the specified company constituted a material breach, thereby voiding the entire contract and declaring Hunter a —the first such ruling in modern history. Finley immediately appealed the decision through the , but it was upheld, leaving Hunter free to negotiate with any team. The ruling ignited a fierce bidding war, with 23 of the 24 MLB teams expressing interest in Hunter's services, driven by his status as a proven ace with a 21-5 and 2.49 ERA in the 1974 season. After weeks of negotiations, Hunter signed a five-year contract with the Yankees on December 31, 1974, valued at $3.75 million, including a $3.35 million guarantee plus performance incentives and deferred payments structured through annuities to maximize tax advantages—advised by his legal team and family without a traditional agent. This landmark deal not only made Hunter the highest-paid player in baseball at the time but also exposed vulnerabilities in the , which bound players perpetually to their teams, setting the stage for the 1975 Messersmith-McNally arbitration that formally ended the clause's dominance and ushered in the era of unrestricted free agency.

New York Yankees years (1975–1979)

Hunter signed a landmark five-year, $3.75 million contract with the New York Yankees on December 31, 1974, becoming the first major in modern history and joining a team eager to return to contention after a sixth-place finish in 1974. He made his Yankees debut on April 11, 1975, against the Detroit Tigers at , pitching a in a 5-4 loss but allowing five earned runs over nine innings. Under manager , who took over from on August 1, 1975, Hunter quickly integrated into the rotation, bringing his experience from five consecutive American League West titles with the Oakland Athletics and providing veteran leadership to a young roster featuring Thurman and Roy . In his inaugural 1975 season, Hunter delivered a standout performance, leading the majors with 23 wins, 30 complete games, and 328 while posting a 2.58 ERA over 39 starts, earning his seventh selection and finishing second in voting. This effort helped the Yankees improve to 83-77 and third in the AL East, marking the start of their resurgence under owner , who later credited Hunter during his 1987 Hall of Fame induction with "starting our success" by teaching the team the winning habits he learned in Oakland. Subsequent seasons brought mixed results amid managerial changes, including in 1977 and a return by in 1978; Hunter went 17-15 in 1976 (3.53 ERA) and 9-9 in 1977 (4.71 ERA), contributing to three straight AL East titles from 1976 to 1978. Hunter played key roles in the Yankees' back-to-back World Series championships in 1977 and 1978, appearing in both Fall Classics despite health challenges. In the 1977 postseason, he started Game 4 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing three runs over six innings in a 4-2 loss, but the Yankees clinched the title in six games. The following year, Hunter pitched Game 2 of the World Series, surrendering four runs in five innings during a 4-3 defeat to the Dodgers, but New York rallied to win in six games for their second straight crown. Notably, in Game 3 of the 1978 ALCS against the Kansas City Royals, Hunter endured a historic performance by George Brett, who hit three solo home runs off him, yet the Yankees secured a 6-5 victory on Bucky Dent's go-ahead RBI single in the eighth, advancing to the Series. Hunter's tenure grew increasingly difficult due to emerging issues, beginning with fatigue in 1976 that persisted into 1977 and worsened in 1978. In February 1978, during , he was diagnosed with , requiring daily insulin injections; Yankees team physician Dr. Maurice F. J. McIlrath assured that the condition would not significantly impact his career if managed properly, and Hunter confided in select teammates like Munson about the news. pain plagued him throughout 1978, leading to a non-surgical procedure in June that temporarily alleviated symptoms, allowing him to return in July and pitch 86 innings with a 3.04 down the stretch. These struggles limited his effectiveness, as he appeared in 46 games over the 1977-1978 campaigns combined. Amid the Yankees' intense clubhouse dynamics—marked by tensions between manager and star outfielder , as well as a rivalry between Jackson and captain —Hunter served as a calming influence, drawing on his prior Oakland camaraderie with Jackson to mediate conflicts and foster unity. He shared a close friendship with Munson, the two often hunting together off-season, and Jackson later praised Hunter as a "fabulous human being" and "man of honor" for his loyalty during turbulent times. Hunter's steady presence helped stabilize the rotation alongside pitchers like , contributing to the team's 1977 and 1978 titles despite the internal strife. Persistent shoulder issues from 1978 ultimately forced Hunter's retirement at age 33 after the 1979 season, in which he went 2-9 with a 5.31 ERA in 19 starts; he finished his Yankees career with a 63-53 record and 3.58 ERA over 137 games. The and arm fatigue had eroded his durability, ending a career that saw him win five rings, though he expressed no regrets about his time in .

Later years

Retirement and life on the farm

Following his retirement from in 1979 due to persistent arm problems, Jim "Catfish" Hunter returned to his hometown of , where he had purchased a 485-acre in 1970 with financial assistance from owner . The , adjacent to his family's property, became the center of his post-career life, where he managed agricultural operations including growing and grain, raised hunting dogs, and maintained a routine centered on rural simplicity. Hunter's family life remained a priority throughout his retirement. He had married his high school sweetheart, Helen Overton, on October 9, 1966, and together they raised three children: sons Todd and Paul, and daughter Kim. The couple emphasized a close-knit household, with Hunter often spending his days driving a , tending the , and engaging in outdoor activities like hunting and fishing alongside his sons, reflecting his deep ties to his farming roots. He deliberately avoided the media spotlight of his Yankees days, preferring the quiet of over urban celebrity. In addition to farming, Hunter pursued business opportunities through endorsements for products like Dodge trucks, Red Man chewing tobacco, and Purina dog food, leveraging his fame while staying based in North Carolina. His commitment to community extended to youth sports; he coached Little League teams for his children and supported local baseball initiatives, including contributions to athletic facilities in the area that honored his legacy, such as the Jim "Catfish" Hunter Athletic Fields in nearby Winfall. These efforts underscored his role as a mentor and philanthropist in Perquimans County, fostering baseball among young players in his rural community.

Illness, family, and death

In September 1998, at the age of 52, Hunter was diagnosed with (ALS), a progressive that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. The diagnosis came after he experienced initial problems, confirmed during a hospital visit in . The disease progressed rapidly over the following year, resulting in significant loss of mobility and muscle strength. By early 1999, Hunter's arms had weakened to the point where he could no longer throw a to his son, and he struggled with walking and balance, occasionally requiring assistance to stand or move. He became increasingly reliant on for daily tasks, such as eating and personal care, though he maintained some independence, like driving short distances when possible. Throughout this period, Hunter demonstrated , publicly discussing his determination to fight the illness while emphasizing the importance of family and community support. Hunter's wife, , whom he had married on October 9, 1966, provided unwavering care during his illness; the couple, high school sweethearts, shared 32 years of marriage and raised three children together. His children actively participated in his support, helping manage his needs as the disease advanced. In May 1999, Hunter, along with , his children, family, and friends, established the Jim "Catfish" Hunter Foundation to fund research, assist patients, and improve quality of life for those affected by ; the inaugural fundraising event on May 8 raised $78,000. has continued leading the foundation's efforts since his death. Hunter died on September 9, 1999, at his home in , at the age of 53, after a year-long battle with . His funeral service on September 12 drew over 1,000 mourners, including baseball luminaries such as , who attended and later described Hunter as a "fabulous human being" and "a man of honor." He was buried in Cedarwood Cemetery in , near the high school field where his baseball career began. Media accounts praised Hunter's stoic endurance and positive spirit in facing the disease, highlighting his legacy of grace under adversity.

Legacy

Awards, honors, and Hall of Fame induction

Hunter earned eight selections during his career, representing the in 1966, 1967, 1970, and consecutively from 1972 to 1976. In 1974, he captured the after posting a league-leading 25 wins, a 2.49 , and 225 strikeouts over 318 . The following year, Hunter again led the in wins with 23, finishing second in the voting. Hunter contributed to five World Series championships, securing three straight titles with the Oakland Athletics from 1972 to 1974 and two more with the Yankees in 1977 and 1978. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on January 14, 1987, in his third year of eligibility, receiving 315 votes or 76.3% from the . The induction ceremony took place on July 26, 1987, in , alongside and Ray Dandridge. His Hall of Fame plaque highlights his pioneering role as the first to sign a multimillion-dollar contract after a landmark 1974 grievance arbitration, his five titles, and his perfect game on May 8, 1968. Among other honors, the retired Hunter's uniform number 27 on June 9, 1991, making it the first number retired in franchise history. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 1974.

Impact on free agency and baseball culture

Hunter's 1974 arbitration victory against owner Charles O. Finley marked a pivotal moment in , establishing him as the first true of the modern era. Arbitrator Peter Seitz ruled that Finley had breached Hunter's by failing to make timely payments into an annuity fund as stipulated, thereby voiding the binding Hunter to the team. Although the decision was based on a specific contract violation rather than a broad challenge to the reserve system, it demonstrated the vulnerability of perpetual player contracts and served as a direct catalyst for subsequent litigation, including the landmark Messersmith-McNally case in 1975 that ultimately dismantled the and ushered in widespread free agency. The financial ramifications of Hunter's free agency were immediate and transformative, igniting salary escalation across the sport. On December 31, 1974, Hunter signed a five-year with the New York Yankees worth $3.75 million, including deferred payments, which not only made him the highest-paid player in baseball history at the time but also set a precedent for multimillion-dollar deals in the emerging free-agent market. This agreement, structured with $3.2 million in guaranteed money, doubled the previous salary benchmark and encouraged other players to seek similar autonomy, leading to a rapid rise in average player salaries from around $45,000 in 1974 to over $200,000 by the early as competition among teams intensified. Hunter's case exemplified a broader cultural shift in from autocratic owner control to player empowerment, highlighting the exploitative dynamics epitomized by Finley's notorious frugality and verbal confrontations with his roster. The dispute with Finley, who had a history of meddling in player affairs and withholding payments, underscored the adversarial owner-player relationships under the old reserve system, fostering solidarity among athletes and bolstering the (MLBPA). Hunter's humble, Southern roots and unassuming demeanor—rooted in his farm life—provided a stark contrast to the emerging glitz of big-market bidding wars, portraying him as an everyman trailblazer who navigated the new era with integrity rather than flamboyance. Among peers, Hunter was widely praised for his principled stand, with former teammates and executives lauding his as a model of amid the turmoil. His decision to pursue without malice, despite Finley's , earned and positioned him as a of quiet resolve in labor disputes. In the long term, Hunter's precedent empowered the MLBPA's growth, enabling advancements and transforming into a more equitable ; his case remains a in studies of sports , illustrating how individual challenges can reshape industry norms.

Depictions in popular culture

Hunter was portrayed by actor Jason Kosow in the 2007 ESPN miniseries , which dramatized the tumultuous amid the city's social unrest. The production highlighted his role as a key pitcher on the team that captured the title. Hunter was the subject of the song "Catfish" on the 1976 album Desire, which referenced his free agency and signing with the Yankees.) Hunter co-authored the autobiography Catfish: My Life in Baseball with in 1988, offering an intimate account of his rise from a farm boy to a Hall of Fame , emphasizing his grounded persona and love for the game. Additionally, the () maintains a detailed that underscores his image as a humble, big-game performer whose folksy demeanor contrasted with his competitive edge on the mound. After his death from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1999, the Jim “Catfish” Hunter ALS Foundation was founded by his family and friends to fund research and raise awareness for the disease, drawing on his status as a Yankees icon to amplify efforts similar to those for Lou Gehrig. The New York Yankees have honored him through participation in ALS awareness initiatives, including MLB's "4 ALS" campaign, which references Hunter alongside other baseball figures affected by the illness. In Hertford, North Carolina, tributes include the Jim “Catfish” Hunter Memorial statue on the Perquimans County Courthouse lawn and a dedicated museum in the Perquimans County Visitor Center showcasing his artifacts and legacy. The nickname "," coined by owner in 1965 to market the 19-year-old pitcher as a colorful Southern character, was bolstered by Finley's invented anecdote of Hunter as a youth who would sneak off to catch catfish barehanded— a that deceived the public but cemented the moniker in lore as a symbol of Finley's flamboyant promotional tactics. This fabricated persona endured, influencing how Hunter was perceived as an hero amid his high-profile career.

Career statistics

Major League Baseball regular season

Jim "Catfish" Hunter compiled a distinguished regular season career in , amassing 224 wins, 166 losses, a 3.26 (ERA), and 2,012 strikeouts over 3,449.1 across 15 seasons from 1965 to 1979. His performance reflected a consistent workload, with 476 starts in 500 appearances, averaging more than 30 starts per season throughout his career. Hunter's statistics varied by team, showcasing his strongest output during his decade with the from 1965 to 1974, where he recorded 161 wins and 113 losses with a 3.07 and 1,520 strikeouts in 2,456.1 innings. With the New York Yankees from 1975 to 1979, he added 63 wins and 53 losses, posting a 3.58 and 492 strikeouts in 993 innings over 137 appearances. One of Hunter's peak seasons came in 1974 with the , when he went 25-12 with a 2.49 ERA, leading the in wins, and achieved a 0.986 (walks plus hits per inning pitched), the lowest in the majors that year. His durability was evident in five consecutive 20-win seasons from 1971 to 1975, a streak that highlighted his reliability as a workhorse starter. Hunter's pitching evolved significantly from his early years, where he exhibited some wildness with higher walk rates and WHIPs around 1.25 in 1965-1967, to becoming a premier control artist by the early , consistently posting sub-1.00 WHIPs in his best seasons through precise command and a deceptive . This transformation was influenced by a 1964 hunting accident that severed part of his right foot's little toe, forcing adaptations in his that ultimately enhanced his and effectiveness on the .

Postseason and notable records

Hunter compiled a postseason record of 9-6 with a 3.29 over 22 games, showcasing his reliability in high-stakes situations during his time with the and New York Yankees. His contributions were pivotal in securing multiple championships, including key victories in the , , and 1974 World Series with Oakland, where he helped the Athletics claim three straight titles. With the Yankees, Hunter earned important wins in the 1977 ALCS and , aiding their back-to-back pennants. One of Hunter's most celebrated achievements came on May 8, 1968, when he pitched a perfect game for the against the at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The 22-year-old right-hander retired all 27 batters faced, striking out 11 in a 4-0 victory that marked the ninth perfect game in history and the first in the since 1922. At the time, Hunter was the youngest to throw a perfect game in AL history, a record that stood until 2022. In the against the , Hunter went 1-0, pitching 7.2 innings of one-run ball in Game 3 for a 3-2 win that helped Oakland clinch the series 4-1. This performance underscored his clutch ability, coming on the heels of his regular-season dominance. His 1974 was bolstered by a league-leading 25 wins, highlighting his peak form that year. As his career progressed into the late with the Yankees, Hunter battled arm injuries that diminished his velocity and stamina, noticeably affecting his postseason outings. These issues contributed to inconsistent results in later playoff appearances, such as his 1977 World Series start where he allowed six runs in a loss, though he rebounded with a gritty complete-game victory in Game 4 of the .

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