August 5, 2012
Ever wonder what the dynamic of an athletic family is like? Recently, JaysProspects had the opportunity to talk with K.C. Hobson, the Lansing Lugnuts first baseman, who shared some insight on his situation.
KC Hobson was drafted by the Blue Jays in the sixth round of the 2009 MLB Draft
Hobson is the son of Butch Hobson, a star football player for the University of Alabama and professional baseball player for the Red Sox, Angels, and Yankees from 1975 to 1982 before later serving as the Red Sox Manager from 1992 to 1994. K.C’s younger brother, Hank, also shares the athletic genes and is also a present Sophomore Linebacker on the University of Arizona football team. “Growing up, I spent a lot time in a variety of clubhouses. Unfortunately, I don’t remember it too well because I was really young, but I was differently there!”
Hobson grew up in New Hampshire for most of his life before moving to Bakersfield, California for high school. He talked about the fact that he followed in his family footsteps and played both baseball and football growing up. “I was an outfielder and a first baseman my whole life and I pitched a little in high school too. In football I was a Pro-Style Quarterback, I wasn’t a defensive guy as I wasn’t incredibly fast so I stayed in the pocket and threw the ball,” stated Hobson adding, “My transition from New Hampshire to California was fine, because as soon as I got there it was football season and I played on the varsity team which gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of people right away through playing sports.”
Hobson has seen a great improvement in extra base hits. Because of it, his RBIs have increased as well. He presently leads the Lugnuts with 72 RBIs.
After graduating from Stockdale High School in 2009, Hobson was selected by the Blue Jays in the 6th round of the MLB draft where he would sign and start his professional career in 2010 splitting time with the Bluefield Blue Jays and the Lansing Lugnuts. In 2010, K.C. would bat .271 with nine doubles, one triple, and six homeruns to go with 26 RBIs in his first season of professional baseball. Hobson would return to Lansing in 2011 and bat .250 with 24 doubles, two triples, four homeruns, and 53 RBIs.
As for the 2012 season, Hobson is currently batting .274 with 31 doubles, two triples, and nine homeruns to go with 72 RBIs. Hobson’s 72 RBIs leads all Lugnuts and is second highest in the Midwest League. “I always want to drive in runs,” Hobson said. “I’m a middle of the order guy in the 5, 6 slot and the guys in front of me are doing a great job getting on base. Therefore, it is more of a testament for them not me. I’m comfortable hitting in whatever spot of the lineup I’m put. And as long as guys get on base I’ll do whatever I can to drive them in.”
When asked how he has been able to see a strong improvement in extra base hits, the young first baseman stated the following, “My power is coming along as I am being more aggressive at the plate to get more walks and less strikeouts. I’m also doing better waiting for a good pitch to drive. This way, I have a great chance to either get a hit or walk in a run. I do my best to get my RBIs and get on base and the guys behind me are doing a great job driving me in as well.”
Hobson admitted that his defense at first has increased thanks to consistent playing time and more defensive opportunities
But that is not only the skill that Hobson has improved, as the 2012 season has seen great improvement in Hobson’s bat as well as his defense. “My defense is improving on repetition. In high school you don’t have many balls hit to you at first base so being able to play first base everyday has been able to help me out a lot defensibly.”
When discusssing another reason for his improvement, Hobson was quick to mention that his family has given him constant support and advice. “I talk to my dad a couple times a week as I just like to bounce stuff off of him. He knows what I’m going through without seeing me play. He has helped me adjust my swing and has helped me become a more consistent and stronger player.”
After the season is complete, Hobson would like to pass on some of that support to his family, more specifically, his brother Hank. “My goal is to be able to see more of Hank’s football games,” said Hank’s older brother, “Last year I went to one of his games, but it was an off day for him as it was his final game of the year. I hope to go to support him more this season now that football is starting again and Hank has moved into a starting role on the team.”