Butch Hobson was a professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues for 10 seasons. He was primarily a third baseman, but also played some first base and outfield. Hobson was known for his power hitting and his aggressive style of play.
Hobson began his professional career in 1973, when he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox. He spent several years in the minor leagues before making his Major League debut in 1975. He quickly established himself as a solid player, hitting 30 home runs and driving in 112 runs in his first full season.
Over the next few years, Hobson continued to be a productive player for the Red Sox. He hit 20 or more home runs in four consecutive seasons from 1977 to 1980, and was named an All-Star in 1977. However, injuries began to take a toll on Hobson, and he was traded to the California Angels in 1982.
Hobson played for several teams over the next few years, including the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox. He continued to hit for power, but his batting average began to decline. In 1987, Hobson signed with the Boston Red Sox again, but he struggled in his return to the team and was released after one season.
After his playing career ended, Hobson became a manager in the minor leagues. He had several successful seasons as a manager, leading his teams to multiple championships. In 1992, he was hired as the manager of the Boston Red Sox, but he was fired after just one season.
Hobson continued to manage in the minor leagues for several more years, and also worked as a coach and a broadcaster. He was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.
Overall, Butch Hobson had a solid career as a Major League player, hitting 98 home runs and driving in 397 runs over 10 seasons. He was known for his power hitting and his aggressive style of play, and was a fan favorite in Boston during his early years with the Red Sox. After his playing career ended, Hobson had success as a manager in the minor leagues, and was recognized for his contributions to the sport with his induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
⚾