Chicago Dogs manager Butch Hobson embracing another season of independent baseball
During Clell Lavern "Butch" Hobson Jr.'s major-league playing days, he visited the late Paul "Bear" Bryant each offseason. Although his ex-coach wasn't a baseball guru, Bryant would remind Hobson of his recent stats, including how many times he struck out.
Bryant, Alabama's legendary football coach from 1958-82, amassed six national champions - tied for the most in modern college football history, so he was not a stranger to success. Yet, Hobson recalls, that success never trumped Bryant's relationships with his current or former players.
"He was the best at making everyone of us realize and know how much he cared about and what was going to happen in our future," Hobson said.
The 66-year-old Hobson has taken that same approach since his first managerial job with the Columbia Mets in 1987. Now he's carrying it over to the Chicago Dogs, returning to the American Association's independent league following one season with the Kane County Cougars, the Arizona Diamondbacks' Class-A affiliate about 38 miles away.
Hobson's path in baseball wasn't always a guarantee. The Tuscaloosa, Ala. native played both football and baseball at the University of Alabama. He and his dad, "Butch" Hobson Sr., are the only father-son duo to play quarterback in the Orange Bowl for the same university (1972 and 1930).
Heading into his senior season with the Crimson Tide, Hobson attended a Cincinnati Reds' tryout camp two weeks before Alabama's two-a-days kicked off. Cincinnati scouts expected him whenever they were near the Birmingham or Tuscaloosa area. Once it concluded, they said his baseball future was bright, but suggested he ditch football.
After a night of mulling it over, Hobson decided to give up football. His dad told him to explain his decision to Bryant, whose office overlooked Alabama's baseball stadium.
"He [Bryant] said, 'From what I've seen of you playing baseball, you'll be back playing football for me next year,' " Hobson said. "That (ticked) me off, but that was his way of motivating [me]."
It worked. The 6-foot-1, 193-pound third baseman slashed .248/.297.423 over his eight-year big-league career, including a 30 home run, 112 RBI season with the Red Sox in 1977. He also saw teammate Carl Yastrzemski collect his 3,000th career hit two years later.
As age 40, Hobson shifted back to his roots after winning the International Manager of the Year award in 1991, becoming the 39th manager in Red Sox history. Criticism flooded Fenway Park amid his three seasons as manager, though, as he compiled a 207-232 record. He was fired in September 1994 following a strike-shortened season.
"I never bought a newspaper or listened to a radio [because of writers, hosts and fans]," Hobson said. "Maybe they were right. But they [the Red Sox] called me up and asked to me manage Boston. I ain't gonna say no."
His struggles continued off the field in May 1996. While managing the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre Red Barons - the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate - he was arrested for possession of cocaine at a hotel in Pawtucket, R.I. He noted how fortunate he was to have his family's support after the incident.
Hobson received his ticket back into baseball from 1997-98, serving as a special assignment scout for the Red Sox. During that stint, he shared his journey in front of 5,000 prospects and explained how to avoid the mistakes he made.
Following a one-year stint with the Sarasota Red Sox (Class-A), he wanted to work closer to his home in Warren, Vt., where his now-ex-wife and their three sons lived. Hobson subsequently jumped onboard with the Nashua (New Hampshire) Pride in the independent league. He cited trying to help once-injured or released players return to the majors as a path to his own redemption.
Diamondbacks' outfielder David Peralta and Dodgers' starter Rich Hill, who also pitched for the Cubs (2005-08), each spent time in the league.
"To get to the big leagues, there's a lot of players with talent," Hobson said. "But a lot of the time it's about being at the right place at the right time. If you're stuck behind [Anthony] Rizzo in Chicago, you ain't gonna be playing first base for a long time.
"There's good stories about guys that get back to an organization or spend a few years in Triple-A, but they still have a fighting chance to maybe fulfill that dream."
The Dogs will host their inaugural home opener Friday at Impact Field in Rosemont. As they chase their dreams, Hobson will be there to lend a hand - just like Bear Bryant taught him.