There were other things that attracted media attention this past weekend besides Hunter Dobbins’ performance on the mound. The 25-year-old Red Sox rookie, who is quickly making a name for himself in Boston’s rotation, was the subject of controversy when comments about his alleged family connections to the New York Yankees were made public. Brian Cashman, general manager of the Yankees, quickly denied the rumors.
Hatred on Yankees, Claims Come Out False
Before his Sunday start against the Yankees, Dobbins made a passionate remark to the Boston Herald, saying, “My dad was a die-hard Red Sox fan. And I’ve said it before that if the Yankees were the last team to give me a contract, I’d retire.”
The statement, while reflective of the intense rivalry between Boston and New York, raised eyebrows for more than just its bold tone. Dobbins added that his animosity toward the Yankees stemmed from his father, Lance, who he claimed had been drafted by the Yankees and was once friends with legendary left-hander Andy Pettitte.
That’s where things unraveled.
The back page: WICKED WHOPPAH!
Dobbins’ hatred of Yankees seemingly built on series of lies
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— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 11, 2025
The New York Post followed up on Dobbins’ claims, investigating the supposed link between Lance Dobbins and the Yankees. The result? No record of such a draft pick existed.
Cashman himself weighed in, stating he had no recollection of Lance being drafted and that the Yankees’ amateur scouting department found no evidence to support the claim. The narrative quickly shifted from lighthearted rivalry banter to questions about credibility.
Young Player With Exciting Upside
Even though the lie may have caused some concern, Dobbins is still committed to his goal of winning on the field. According to his current statistics, he is accomplishing just that. He has pitched a strong 3-1 record in 2025, recording 37 strikeouts and a 4.20 ERA while keeping his WHIP at 1.28. Dobbins has managed the spotlight with a competitive edge that reflects Boston’s legendary pitching legacy, which is impressive for a rookie making his debut in one of the most competitive settings in the game.
But now, with his words drawing as much attention as his fastball, Dobbins may be playing with a chip on his shoulder. Whether his comments were the product of family lore, misunderstood stories, or emotional intensity, there’s no doubt he feels the weight of the rivalry. Sunday’s start against New York gave him a chance to show that passion in action, and regardless of how many headlines his remarks may have generated, the mound remains his proving ground.
Smack talk is nothing new in sports; it’s a natural part of the game that keeps fans engaged and feeds into the rivalries. Players’ emotions run high, and they occasionally talk more from the heart than the head. In the case of Dobbins, he’s a young player looking to make his name known.