Hunter Dobbins Clarifies Controversy Regarding His Father and the Yankees
The young Red Sox pitcher, Hunter Dobbins, has clarified the statements prior to his first start against the Yankees, where he stated that he would retire before playing for the New York team. Dobbins explained the claims about his father’s alleged involvement with the rival Boston team, which have generated controversy. Dobbins, aware of the reports, assured that there is nothing “nefarious” in the connections he mentioned about his father and the Yankees.In a Boston Herald article from June 7, Dobbins stated that his father, Lance Dobbins, was drafted twice by the Yankees before being traded to the Diamondbacks. The article also mentioned his father’s supposed friendship with Andy Pettitte, who played 15 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Yankees. However, subsequent reports found no evidence of these claims, citing official databases and the Yankees’ own records that do not corroborate Lance Dobbins’ involvement with the organization. Lance Dobbins’ profile on Baseball-Reference.com does not include any affiliation with the Yankees. The 2025 Red Sox media guide mentions him in Hunter Dobbins’ biography, stating that Lance “pitched for 2 seasons (1996-97) in the Diamondbacks organization”. Dobbins, who is scheduled to pitch again against the Yankees on Saturday at Fenway Park, revealed that he has spoken with his father “a little, but not really” about the history.My feelings and all that are based on my personal experiences and have nothing to do with growing up or family. The whole backstory is something I heard growing up and saw pictures of my father. At the end of the day, it’s just about my father and how I developed my love for the game. But at the end of the day, I don’t go and fact-check my father or anything like that.
Hunter Dobbins
The 25-year-old pitcher has a 3-1 record with an ERA of 4.20 this season. Dobbins stated that he is not surprised by the media attention that this story has generated.My entire focus is on Saturday and preparing to face the Yankees. This is my first time in the Major Leagues facing a team for the second time, let alone consecutively. So that’s where my focus is 100 percent. I imagine we’ll talk in the future or something. But it’s been a bigger deal than it really needed to be. But at the end of the day, I really just need to prepare for Saturday.
Hunter Dobbins
This is a great rivalry. Two cities that have a long history together. Anything that’s in the news that goes with both, that will become a story. It adds to the game, and we just have to accept it and move on.
Hunter Dobbins
