Glenn Hoffman – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Glenn Hoffman’s name doesn’t show up on Hall of Fame ballots, but his nine-season MLB career tells the story of a determined pro who pushed through a lot to play at baseball’s top level.

He was born in Orange, California, in 1958. Hoffman mostly played shortstop, spending the bulk of his career with the Boston Red Sox, then had short runs with the Los Angeles Dodgers and California Angels.

Hoffman wrapped up his playing career on September 23, 1989, when he took the field for the California Angels against the Cleveland Indians. At 31, he’d fought through knee injuries and other physical problems that slowed him down in his last few seasons.

His career batting average was a modest .242, but it was his defense and baseball smarts that kept him in the big leagues for nearly a decade.

There’s way more to his story than just stats. He played on Boston’s 1986 American League championship team, made the jump into coaching and management, and happens to be the older brother of Hall of Fame closer Trevor Hoffman.

From his early days as a promising prospect to his later years as a coach and interim manager, Glenn’s baseball journey gives a real look at the ups and downs of pro baseball in the 1980s.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Glenn Edward Hoffman grew up in a baseball-crazy family in Orange, California, born on July 7, 1958.

His athletic skills popped early at Savanna High School, where he became one of Orange County’s top baseball prospects.

Family Background

Glenn was the middle of three brothers, born to Edward and Mikki Hoffman. His older brother Greg was four years older, and his younger brother Trevor came along nine years later.

Edward Hoffman, a World War II vet, first chased a singing career before working for the US Postal Service. Angels fans in Anaheim knew him as the “Singing Usher” after the team moved there in 1966.

He’d lead the crowd in “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch. He also sang the National Anthem at Angels games pretty often.

Mikki Hoffman threw herself into youth baseball programs. She won the George and Barbara Bush Little League Parent of the Year award in 2002 for her long-time dedication to the Northwest Anaheim Little League.

Baseball ran deep in the Hoffman family, and those connections clearly helped shape Glenn’s future.

High School Career

Glenn played for the Savanna Rebels baseball team at Savanna High School in Anaheim. The program was a regular Orange County powerhouse, producing a bunch of future major leaguers.

He stood out as a multi-sport athlete, earning All-County and All-League honors in baseball. Glenn set school records for hits and doubles during his high school years.

He didn’t just stick to baseball. Glenn also played guard on the Savanna Rebels basketball team and picked up All-League honors there too.

Savanna High’s baseball legacy is clear, with alumni like Glenn’s brother Trevor Hoffman, Al Hrabosky, Greg Mathews, Marty Castillo, and Don Aase.

Scouts noticed Glenn’s standout high school play. The Boston Red Sox picked him in the second round of the 1976 amateur draft, setting him on his professional baseball career.

MLB Debut and 1980s Career Highlights

Glenn Hoffman made his MLB debut for the Boston Red Sox on April 12, 1980, at just 21.

He spent most of his career in Boston, picking up All-Rookie team honors in 1980 and playing a part in the team’s 1986 American League championship run.

Boston Red Sox Years

After getting drafted in the second round in 1976, Hoffman started out in the minors for four years before making the big league roster.

The Red Sox looked at him as a defensive sub and a platoon guy at first. Manager Don Zimmer liked Hoffman’s versatility and steady glove.

From 1980 to 1987, Hoffman played for Boston. He became a regular starter in his early years. His best years came in the early ’80s, when he was a steady defender.

Boston shook up the roster during Hoffman’s time. In December 1980, the Red Sox traded Rick Burleson and Butch Hobson to the Angels, clearing the way for Hoffman to take on a bigger role.

Performance as a Rookie

Hoffman’s rookie season in 1980 turned out to be one of his best at the plate. He hit .285 in 114 games, adding 4 home runs and 42 RBIs.

Baseball publications took notice. Topps and Baseball America both named him to their 1980 All-Rookie teams.

Key 1980 Statistics:

• Batting Average: .285
• Games Played: 114
• Home Runs: 4
• RBIs: 42
• Runs Scored: 37

He started out at third base that year. When Butch Hobson hurt his shoulder in June, Hoffman stepped up as the starter and held onto the job the rest of the way.

His strong play made him part of Boston’s plans for the future. With his glove and unexpected offense, he became a real asset.

Transition to Shortstop

In 1981, Boston moved Hoffman to shortstop. The team brought in Carney Lansford to handle third base, so Hoffman slid over.

Some doubted if Hoffman’s 6-foot-1 size would limit his range at short, but general manager Haywood Sullivan believed in his defense.

A special moment came that year—Hoffman’s dad, Ed, sang the National Anthem at Fenway Park for the 1981 home opener. Glenn later said it was the highlight of his MLB career.

The 1981 season was cut short by a strike. Hoffman struggled at the plate, hitting .231 with 20 RBIs, but his defense at shortstop held up.

He got better defensively in 1982 and 1983. In ’83, he hit .260 in 143 games as Boston’s everyday shortstop.

Utility Infielder Role

A knee injury on September 24, 1983, changed things for Hoffman. He dislocated his left knee in a collision with Tigers catcher Lance Parrish during a force play at second.

Surgery followed, and Hoffman tried to come back in 1984. Wearing a knee brace, he couldn’t move as well, either in the field or at the plate. Rookie Jackie Gutiérrez eventually took his starting spot in mid-May 1984.

After that, Hoffman mostly filled a utility role for Boston. He split time at shortstop with Gutiérrez in 1985, and the team went 50-30 in games Hoffman started at short.

He bounced back in 1985, hitting .276 in 96 games. That year, his .975 fielding percentage was his best at shortstop. He put in a lot of work on his hitting and strength in the offseason.

Injuries and less playing time marked his last years with Boston. In 1986, when the Red Sox won the American League, Hoffman played just 12 games due to ankle and heart issues.

Trades and Final MLB Seasons

Hoffman’s final MLB years saw him traded twice, first from Boston to Los Angeles and then to California.

The Dodgers picked him up in a mid-season trade in 1987. His last season, 1989, with the Angels, marked the end of his nine-year career.

Los Angeles Dodgers Tenure

Boston traded Hoffman to the Dodgers in August 1987 for a player to be named later (who ended up being minor-league pitcher Billy Bartels). Before the trade, Hoffman was struggling in Boston, hitting .200 in 21 games and getting sent down to Triple-A Pawtucket in June.

The Dodgers let Hoffman take over as their regular shortstop for the rest of ’87. He played 40 games for LA, hitting .220 in 132 at-bats, but his bat never really got going.

After the season, the Dodgers released him. Boston brought him back in March 1988 on a minor-league contract. He spent all of ’88 with Pawtucket, batting .240 in 109 games, hoping for another shot at the majors.

California Angels and Retirement

The California Angels signed Hoffman as a free agent in January 1989 after Boston let him go. This move brought him back home to Orange County.

Nagging knee and leg injuries kept bothering him in his final MLB season. He played just 48 games for the Angels, batting .212 in 112 plate appearances. His last game came on September 23, 1989, against Cleveland, where he went 0-for-3.

The Angels released Hoffman after the season. The Dodgers signed him to a minor-league deal and sent him to Triple-A Albuquerque. He played 24 games for Albuquerque in 1990 before deciding to retire, closing the book on his pro baseball career.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Glenn Hoffman got noticed as one of baseball’s top rookies in 1980 with the Red Sox. Over nine years, he put up strong defensive numbers and steady offensive contributions at several positions.

Topps All-Star Rookie Team

Hoffman’s standout rookie season in 1980 landed him on the Topps All-Rookie Team. He hit .285 in 114 games and became a reliable infielder for Boston.

That year, he added 4 home runs, 42 RBIs, and 37 runs scored. His .285 average was better than most expected from a young guy just up from Triple-A.

Baseball America also named him to their 1980 All-Rookie Team. Getting both honors really showed how much promise he had that season.

Career Statistical Overview

Hoffman finished with a .242 batting average over 766 games from 1980 to 1989. He collected 524 hits, 23 home runs, and 210 RBIs in nine seasons.

His glove was steady, with a .966 career fielding percentage. Hoffman played shortstop, third base, first base, and second base during his time in the majors.

He scored 247 runs and hit 106 doubles while playing for the Red Sox, Dodgers, and Angels. He was part of Boston’s 1986 American League championship team.

His best year at the plate came in 1985, when he hit .276 in 96 games while sharing shortstop with Jackie Gutiérrez.

Post-Retirement Coaching and Management

After his playing days, Glenn Hoffman moved right into coaching and managing in pro baseball. He spent more than thirty years helping develop talent in the minors and working on Major League coaching staffs, building a reputation as a respected baseball mind.

Minor League Management Roles

Hoffman kicked off his post-playing career in 1990 as both player and coach with the Dodgers’ AAA team in Albuquerque. That dual role gave him a chance to bridge the gap between playing and teaching.

He moved into full-time managing in 1991 with the Great Falls Dodgers in the Pioneer League. His team finished 46-24 and reached the League Finals, which was a promising start for him as a manager.

Hoffman kept building his managerial chops with different Dodgers minor league clubs. In 1992, he managed the Vero Beach Dodgers in the Florida State League, though that team struggled to a 53-82 record.

In 1993, he took over the San Antonio Missions in the Texas League as manager. That year, the team finished 58-76.

After a short break from managing, Hoffman returned to lead the Albuquerque Dukes in the Pacific Coast League in 1997 and part of 1998. His 1997 team went 62-79, and his 1998 stint ended early when he got called up to the majors.

Managerial and Coaching Experience

The Los Angeles Dodgers promoted Hoffman to interim manager in June 1998, replacing Bill Russell. He managed the team for the final 88 games, finishing with a 47-41 record and guiding the Dodgers to third place in the National League.

After his brief managerial stint, Hoffman joined the Dodgers’ major league coaching staff. He worked in several coaching roles over seven seasons and picked up a lot of experience with established MLB players.

He really valued fundamentals and player development in his coaching philosophy. Since he played as an infielder, he helped position players with defensive techniques and situational awareness.

His time managing in the minors gave him a broad view of player development at different levels. This background helped him connect with players moving up and down in professional baseball.

Impact with the Padres

Hoffman joined the San Diego Padres as third base coach in 2006, starting a 15-year run with the organization. He got to work alongside his Hall of Fame brother, Trevor Hoffman, who was the team’s closer.

He became a steady presence on the Padres coaching staff. He worked under several managers during his time there, and his consistency and professionalism made him a valuable asset during times of change.

Key contributions during his Padres tenure:

• Baserunning instruction and strategy
• Player development and mentorship
• Organizational continuity during coaching changes

Hoffman retired from coaching after the 2020 season, wrapping up 22 years as a Major League coach. The Padres offered him a senior adviser role in baseball operations to recognize his impact.

He moved into the front office, so he could keep contributing to the organization’s success while stepping away from the daily grind of coaching.

Personal Life and Legacy

Glenn Hoffman focused on his family and left a mark on baseball through mentorship and community involvement. His relationship with Hall of Fame closer Trevor Hoffman stands out as one of baseball’s most memorable sibling stories, and his dedication to family earned him respect throughout the sport.

Relationship with Trevor Hoffman

Glenn Hoffman acted as both older brother and baseball mentor to Trevor Hoffman, one of the greatest closers in MLB history. Glenn was born nine years before Trevor in 1958, so he played a big role during Trevor’s early years.

They grew up in Orange, California. Glenn’s early success in baseball helped open doors for Trevor’s athletic development.

Glenn’s experience navigating pro baseball gave Trevor valuable guidance for career decisions. When Trevor joined the Padres, Glenn already had coaching experience in pro baseball, so he could offer advice and support as Trevor switched from struggling shortstop to dominant closer.

Trevor racked up 601 career saves and made seven All-Star teams. Glenn watched from the coaching staff as his younger brother found the kind of success that had slipped away from him as a player.

Their careers ran in parallel, creating a unique bond. Both brothers knew the challenges of pro sports and supported each other through the highs and lows.

Family and Community Contributions

Glenn Hoffman married Cheryl and settled in the San Diego area after his playing days. They raised five kids: daughters Sarah, Stacy, Sabrina, and twin boys Drake and Dylan.

His father, Edward Hoffman, earned the nickname “Singing Usher” for the California Angels. Edward led crowds in “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch and sometimes sang the National Anthem at games.

Glenn’s mother, Mikki Hoffman, received the George and Barbara Bush Little League Parent of the Year award in 2002. She got the honor for her involvement in the Northwest Anaheim Little League program when her sons played there.

The family’s commitment to youth baseball didn’t stop with their own kids. Glenn kept coaching at various levels, passing along his knowledge to young players after his playing career ended.

He turned down managerial jobs with the Boston Red Sox in 2002 and 2003. Glenn wanted to keep his family stable and preferred staying on the West Coast instead of uprooting everyone from California.

Reputation Among Peers

Glenn Hoffman earned respect across baseball for his professionalism and dedication. His nine-year playing career wasn’t flashy, but he showed determination and a strong work ethic.

Colleagues noticed his defensive skills and leadership. Even though his career batting average was .242, people valued him for his glove and baseball smarts.

He made a successful jump to coaching and spent decades working with players at all levels. The Dodgers trusted him enough to name him interim manager for 88 games in 1998 after Bill Russell left.

Glenn specialized in player development during his coaching years. He served as the Dodgers’ minor-league field coordinator from 1994 to 1996, helping shape future big leaguers.

His long run as third-base coach with the Padres through 2015 showed his value to the organization. Teams just don’t keep coaches around that long unless they’re performing and building strong relationships with players and staff.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Glenn Hoffman hasn’t shared his exact net worth with the public. Most players from his era didn’t walk away with the massive fortunes you see in baseball today.

Career Earnings Timeline:

• 1980-1987: Earned most of his income with the Boston Red Sox
• 1987: Had a short run with the Los Angeles Dodgers
• 1989: Wrapped up his career with the California Angels

Back in Hoffman’s day, baseball salaries were much lower than what players get now. In the 1980s, the average MLB salary sat somewhere between $240,000 and $600,000 by the end of the decade.

He spent nine years in the league, which set him up pretty well for the future. Still, his paychecks couldn’t really compare to what modern stars bring home.

Post-Playing Career Income:

• Took on coaching roles with several MLB teams
• Managed the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1998
• Works now as the third base coach for the San Diego Padres

Coaching and managing have probably given him steady income over the years. Sticking around in professional baseball usually means you get pension benefits and some healthcare, too.

Hoffman’s financial stability seems to come from his steady jobs in baseball, not from any huge playing contracts. His brother Trevor, who made the Hall of Fame as a closer, probably earned a lot more during his own career.

Between his player earnings, coaching paychecks, and MLB pension, Hoffman seems to have landed in a pretty comfortable spot. He’s still working in the game, which shows he loves it—and, let’s be honest, it keeps the income coming in.