Chicago Dogs hire veteran baseball manager Butch Hobson

While the Chicago Dogs, the newest team in the American Association's independent baseball league, will debut with a new stadium next spring, the owners will lean on a veteran manager for their inaugural season.

Butch Hobson, who managed the Kane County Cougars last season, was named Wednesday as manager of the Dogs. The 66-year-old Hobson has more than 40 years of experience in both major- and minor-league baseball.

"His successful career as both a player and a manager makes him the perfect leader for The Chicago Dogs," said team co-owner Shawn Hunter, "and helps ensure that our team is competitive on the field and a leading force in the community."

Hobson spent 17 seasons managing teams in independent leagues before joining the Cougars last season. He also was manager of the Boston Red Sox for three seasons (1992-94).

The Dogs will open their season May 18 and host their home opener in Rosemont's new $60 million stadium, Impact Field, on May 25. Team officials said Wednesday that the construction of the 6,300-seat stadium near Balmoral Avenue and Pearl Street is on schedule.

"This feels like the perfect next chapter," Hobson said.