Emotions Going Beyond What Was Intended
While the remark initially stirred amusement, given the historic Red Sox-Yankees rivalry, things quickly turned serious when the New York Post investigated the claims. No record of Lance Dobbins, Hunter’s father, being drafted by the Yankees was found. The club’s general manager Brian Cashman added fuel to the fire by publicly denying any knowledge of such a draft or connection. The story, meant as a tribute to a father-son bond and a nod to baseball’s most storied rivalry, swiftly morphed into a credibility crisis.
In the days that followed, Dobbins took accountability with honesty and humility. “The whole backstory, stuff that I had heard growing up and seeing pictures of from my dad… At the end of the day, I didn’t fact-check my dad,” Dobbins said. “It’s been a bigger deal than it really needs to be.”
Hunter Dobbins addresses our report of false claims of his Dad’s career & friendship with Andy Pettitte
Read more: https://t.co/tXgCA0WPWi pic.twitter.com/vEduQUuVjd
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 11, 2025
His response was a rare blend of vulnerability and maturity for a rookie just months into his MLB career. Rather than doubling down, Dobbins acknowledged the mistake, attributing the misinformation to family stories that he accepted as truth while growing up. It was a moment that showed the human side of the game, how memories and emotions can mix with pride, especially when playing against a franchise that defines his team’s fiercest rivalry.
Next Start vs. the Yankees
Dobbins has maintained his remarkable play on the field in spite of the off-field publicity. With a 4.20 ERA, 37 strikeouts, and a 1.28 WHIP, he has a 3-1 record in 2025. Now that the controversy around his remarks is subsiding, Dobbins is returning his attention to the things that really count: pitching, getting better, and establishing his place.
Ironically, his next scheduled start is once again against the Yankees on Saturday, June 14. While the spotlight will undoubtedly return, Dobbins seems more focused than ever. Whether it’s emotional intensity or a chip on his shoulder, he’s learning, growing, and competing, exactly what any rookie should be doing.