Aaron Judge’s performance against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday may have been influenced by rookie pitcher Hunter Dobbins’ pregame comments, which expressed a deep-seated aversion to the New York Yankees. Dobbins, making his first career start against the Yankees, told the media that he would rather retire than play for the team, a sentiment rooted in his upbringing as a Red Sox fan. “My dad was a die-hard Red Sox fan. And I’ve said it before, that if the Yankees were the last team to give me a contract, I’d retire,” Dobbins said, setting the stage for a charged atmosphere. Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. amplified the tension by sharing Dobbins’ remarks on social media, and it appears Judge took notice, responding with a powerful statement at the plate.
In the bottom of the first inning, with a runner on base, Judge faced Dobbins and launched the first pitch he saw into right-center field for his 22nd home run of the season. This moonshot, a testament to Judge’s status as arguably the best hitter in baseball, came after Dobbins’ provocative comments, suggesting that Judge might have been motivated to make an extra effort. Judge, a two-time AL MVP, doesn’t typically need additional incentive to perform, but Dobbins’ words could have added fuel to the fire. The home run not only showcased Judge’s power but also served as a reminder of the intense rivalry between the two teams, a dynamic that Dobbins underestimated by speaking out before the game.
Dobbins, who has had a decent start to his MLB career with a 2-1 record and a 4.06 ERA over nine appearances (seven starts), likely regrets his timing. While it’s not unusual for a Red Sox player to harbor disdain for the Yankees, Dobbins’ decision to voice such strong feelings before facing Judge and the Yankees’ lineup was ill-advised. The incident underscores the thin line between confidence and overconfidence in professional sports, especially in high-stakes rivalries. For Dobbins, it’s a lesson learned, and for Judge, it’s another chapter in his storied career, where even off-field comments can become part of the game. The 2025 season is still young, but this moment highlights the enduring intensity of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, a narrative that continues to captivate fans and players alike.
