After an extensive search, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs owner Brooks Robinson announced Monday that former Boston Red Sox Manager and third baseman Butch Hobson is the first-ever Manager and Director of Baseball Operations for the Blue Crabs when the club begins play next spring at Regency Furniture Stadium.  Robinson also announced that former Baltimore Orioles catcher Andy Etchebarren will be the Blue Crabs bench coach.  Hobson will be formally introduced during a luncheon on Friday, November 30.

“I am so pleased to welcome Butch and Andy into our ‘Crustacean Nation’ family and to have them leading the Blue Crabs in our inaugural season,” said Robinson.  “I have gotten to know both of them well over the years and throughout this interview process and I know that the work ethic and toughness which each exemplified as a player will become trademarks of our club.”

Robinson led the managerial search – which included interviews with Major League Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter, three-time American League All-Star Cecil Fielder, 14-year Major League infielder Wally Backman and former Orioles third baseman Ryan Minor, among others.  Hobson was signed to a two-year deal. 

In his role as Director of Baseball Operations, Hobson will build the Blue Crabs roster using his connections throughout professional baseball and his familiarity with players gained in more than 20 years as a coach and manager.

Hobson, 56,  had an eight-year Major League playing career as a third baseman, mostly with the Boston Red Sox from 1975-1980.  After retiring as a player following the 1986 season, Hobson began his lengthy coaching and managerial career, highlighted by managing the Major League Red Sox from 1992-1994.  For the past eight seasons, Hobson has managed the Nashua Pride in the Atlantic League and Can-Am League, leading the club to league championships in 2000 and 2007.

“As a player, I emulated Brooks Robinson, so it is an absolute honor to be a part of his organization and for him to give me this exciting, new opportunity,” said Hobson.  “I am thrilled to be back in the Atlantic League, where the caliber of play is tremendous and so many players have Major League experience.  Andy and I, along with the rest of our staff, will work hard to help get our players (back) to the Major League level.”

Former Boston Red Sox Manager Butch Hobson
managed the Nashua Pride for their last
eight seasons. 
Photos courtesy of So Md Blue Crabs.
Former Orioles Catcher Andy Etchebarren has
20 years of minor league coaching experience,
the last three with the Aberdeen Ironbirds.

A native of Tuscaloosa, AL, Hobson was selected by the Red Sox in the eighth round of the 1973 draft following an illustrious career as a football player at the University of Alabama under the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant.  In his senior year, Hobson gave up football to concentrate on baseball and would eventually be named to the University of Alabama’s All-Century baseball team.  

<!–

–>