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Red Sox History: A historical look at feast or famine at third base

By Rick McNair

Jul 13, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; American League third baseman Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox (11) laughs during the first inning against the American League during the 2021 MLB All Star Game at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 13, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; American League third baseman Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox (11) laughs during the first inning against the American League during the 2021 MLB All Star Game at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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BALTIMORE, MD – JULY 31: Manager Butch Hobson #17 of the Boston Red Sox argues a call during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles on July 31, 1993 at Oriole park Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – JULY 31: Manager Butch Hobson #17 of the Boston Red Sox argues a call during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles on July 31, 1993 at Oriole park Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Red Sox get an Alabama QB for third base

I have written about Butch Hobson many times as I considered the right-hand slugger the worst fielding third baseman I have ever seen, but some conditions influenced his defense. Hobson could kill you defensively with a throw or a botched fielding play. But the former Alabama quarterback could slug. In 1977, Hobson smashed 30 home runs and followed that up with 45 over the next two seasons.

Hobson did garner some sympathy since his elbow and knee injuries contributed to his defense. Old football injuries surfaced, and Hobson did become a respected dirt dog for his devil may care defense. So maybe my harshness should be a tad modified?

Hobson did earn the respect of GM Lou Gorman. Hobson became team manager in 1991 but he failed in the role and was gone in 1994. Later Hobson served as a minor league manager until drug issues surfaced, and he was nailed on a cocaine charge while managing the minors for the Philadelphia organization. Hobson was fired, but Boston came to the rescue hiring him as a special assistant.

Since leaving the Boston organization, Hobson has made the round of independent league managing. Still, my memories are of towering home runs, poor throws, using his body as a wall, and Dan Shaunessey labeling him “Daddy Butch.”

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