Hofferth spent eight years (1936–43) in minor league baseball, including three seasons (1940–42) as a player-manager in the Brooklyn Dodgers' organization.

On May 13, 1944, Hofferth collected four hits and scored four runs in six at bats to help lead the Braves to a 16–2 rout of the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field.

[1] Two and a half months later, on July 30, he had another four-hit day against the Pirates, this time in four at bats, in a 6–4 Boston triumph at Braves Field.

[2] Hofferth's playing time diminished in 1945, although he hit three home runs and started 43 games at catcher (both career bests) for the Braves that season.

Later that day, then the trading deadline in Major League Baseball, he was reacquired by Brooklyn in a one-for-one deal for fellow Hoosier Billy Herman, the veteran 36-year-old second baseman in the twilight of a Hall of Fame career.