The back: Hoffman was robbed of a Rookie Cup card by the Topps design team, who elected not to have them during this era. This had to be one of the weakest Topps All Star Rookie teams: Dan Graham, Rich Murray, Damaso Garcia, Hoffman, Ron Oester, Joe Charbonneau, Rick Peters, Lonnie Smith, Doug Corbett, Britt Burns. Charbonneau was the most famous at the time but flamed out quickly.
The player: Glenn Hoffman was a good-field, no-hit infielder. He was primarily a third baseman in 1980, but after that mostly played shortstop. He was a regular through the 1983 season and was a backup through his trade to the Dodgers in 1987. He also played for the Angels in 1989. In 766 games he hit .242 with 23 HR and 210 RBI.
The man: Hoffman stayed in the Dodgers organization after retirement, working as a minor league coach and manager. He was promoted to manage the Dodgers in 1998 after Bill Russell was fired. He went 47-41 as an interim manager, and then served as the team's third base coach for several seasons. He joined the Padres as their third base coach, and stayed in that role for 15 seasons. He is now an advisor for the Padres.
My collection: I have 21 of his cards, from 1981 to 1990. I would be interested in trading for 1988 ProCards #465.
Weird that he had a winning record but didn't get another chance at managing.
ReplyDeleteThe Phillies won the World Series in 1980. Lonnie would have been blocked by Luzinski, Maddox, and McBride.
His brother had a pretty decent Major League career if I recall...
ReplyDeleteI remember Hoffman, like you said, all glove and not much bat. I do remember one of the biggest flash in the pans Joe Charbonneau. He was red hot and then just disappeared.
ReplyDeleteEven though I wear Padres gear... and collect their cardboard... I had no idea this guy was their third base coach for over a decade. Pretty sad.
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