Red Sox pitcher Hunter Dobbins has recently found himself in the spotlight after making a striking comment about the New York Yankees. In a bold move that caught the attention of MLB fans, players, and media alike, Dobbins declared that he would retire rather than play for the Yankees if they were the last team to offer him a contract.
This candid remark prompted significant backlash from various corners of the baseball community. In an attempt to clarify, Dobbins shared that his father was an ardent Red Sox supporter who had been drafted by the Yankees not once, but twice, before ultimately being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, his assertion was met with skepticism from some media outlets, most notably the New York Post’s Joel Sherman, who revealed that Dobbins’ father doesn’t appear to have been a Yankees draft pick at all. When confronted about the discrepancies, Dobbins stood his ground, choosing to trust his father’s memories over the media’s fact-checking.
Dobbins expressed his thoughts candidly, stating, “Doesn’t faze me… my focus is on performing for the guys here in the locker room, for the fans. The stories I’ve heard from my dad, the pictures I’ve seen—it all contributed to my love for the game. At the end of the day, I don’t go and fact-check my dad or anything like that.” His words paint a picture of a young athlete who, despite the scrutiny, remains laser-focused on his performance and team camaraderie.
It’s clear that Dobbins has a passionate rivalry with the Yankees, and he’s likely looking for every opportunity to shine against them on the field.
In his first encounter with Yankees superstar Aaron Judge, Dobbins faced a harsh initiation when Judge hit a home run off him. Despite the setback, Dobbins quickly acknowledged Judge’s prowess, admitting, “First inning, I got into a little bit of trouble, the greatest hitter of our generation arguably made a great swing at a pitch. But after that, I settled in and did my job, and we ended up getting the win, and that’s what matters.” This admission not only shows Dobbins’ sportsmanship but also his commitment to improvement and team success.
As Dobbins prepares to face the Yankees for the second time in Game 2 at Fenway Park, the baseball world will be watching closely. While there hasn’t been substantiated evidence of his father’s claims regarding the Yankees, what remains undeniable is Dobbins’ fiery passion for the game and his relentless pursuit of excellence. He’s certainly stepping into the arena with confidence, determination, and a heart full of Red Sox pride.
Image Source: Hunter Dobbins @ Instagram
