The native of Orange, California, threw and batted right-handed; he stood 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) tall and weighed 175 pounds (79 kg) during his playing career.

Hoffman was named interim manager (with Baseball Hall of Fame skipper Tommy Lasorda taking over the front office reins) on June 22.

Hoffman led the Dodgers for the remainder of the season, compiling a 47–41 (.534) win–loss record; the team finished 83–79 and in third place, 15 games behind the eventual NL champion San Diego Padres.

Hoffman interviewed for the vacant Red Sox managerial job after the 2003 season when Grady Little's contract expired, but Boston instead hired Terry Francona.

In 2006, Hoffman became the third base coach for the Padres and served in this role for 15 seasons[1]—working for eight different managers or interim skippers, including Bruce Bochy, Buddy Black and Andy Green.