Boston Red Sox rookie pitcher Hunter Dobbins caused a stir when he voiced his dislike of the New York Yankees ahead of their match in the Bronx on Sunday.
Now, he is having to clarify his comments about his father’s alleged links to the Yankees. Initially, a Boston Herald report on 7 June quoted Dobbins as saying that his father, Lance Dobbins, had been drafted by the Yankees before being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, the New York Post later revealed that there was no evidence of Lance Dobbins ever being associated with the Yankees organisation. He was not listed as a Yankees draft pick on Baseball Reference, and former Yankees GM Brian Cashman denied any recollection of drafting him. Lance Dobbins’ Baseball Reference profile only displays stats from independent baseball in 1996–97. Furthermore, individuals from the Diamondbacks organisation from that period said they had no memory of a Lance Dobbins in their system. The Post also reported that neither Andy Pettitte nor his family could recall a Lance Dobbins. On 11 June, Hunter Dobbins responded to the Post’s findings, explaining that the information about his father’s baseball background was based on family stories and photos he had seen growing up. He emphasised that he had not fact-checked his father’s claims. Despite the controversy, Dobbins remained focused on his performance and dedication to his team and fans. Prior to facing the Yankees, he had told the Boston Herald that he would rather retire than play for them. Despite giving up a home run to Aaron Judge during the game, the Red Sox emerged victorious, with Dobbins securing the win. Dobbins is set to take to the mound for the middle game of the upcoming series between the Yankees and Red Sox at Fenway Park.
