Here’s a 300‑word fact‑checked article on the topic:
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Did Hunter Dobbins’ Father Really Get Drafted by the Yankees? Here’s the Truth
Hunter Dobbins, the Boston Red Sox rookie pitcher, ignited a media firestorm before his first start in the Bronx. He declared that he would rather retire than sign with the Yankees, citing his father Lance’s supposed ties to New York: “He was actually drafted twice by the Yankees, signed with them his last year and then got traded to the Diamondbacks,” Hunter told the Boston Herald .
However, several investigations have thoroughly debunked that narrative. A detailed review by Baseball Reference and MLB’s official databases found no record of Lance Dobbins ever being drafted or playing for any Yankees-affiliated minor league team . Yankees GM Brian Cashman confirmed he has “no recollection” of drafting a Lance Dobbins, and the organization’s amateur scouting department found no ties whatsoever .
Claims that Lance Dobbins was traded to Arizona also fell flat. Former Diamondbacks GM Joe Garagiola Jr. and manager Buck Showalter, who were in the organization’s leadership during its formative seasons, said they had no memory of such a move . Meanwhile, Lance does appear in records for independent league baseball during 1996–97 and is listed as having coached and consulted since 2002—but never as part of MLB organizations .
Hunter also claimed that his dad was close friends with Yankees legend Andy Pettitte, but Pettitte himself said neither he nor his family remembers Lance Dobbins .
In short: there is zero evidence to support that Lance Dobbins was ever drafted, signed, or traded by the Yankees. His professional career was limited to independent ball and later coaching roles. While Hunter’s remarks added flair to the Red Sox–Yankees rivalry, the backstory seems more like a tall tale than historical fact.
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