A season ago, San Francisco’s right fielder Connor Hofmann asked for his release from Oregon baseball just days before the Ducks played the Dons in San Francisco. With USF’s recent series, and two-game sweep of Oregon, Hofmann made his first return to PK Park.
He spoke with the Emerald following the series about why he left the Ducks and his transition with a new team.
Welcome back to Eugene, how has it been? Have you seen any of your old teammates?
At first it was a bit nerve racking, but it’s been good. It’s good to be back. Yea, I saw a couple. It’s mostly new guys, a lot of (junior college) transfers and freshman.
Last year when you separated from Oregon it was ahead of the San Francisco series, was that a coincidence?
I don’t think so, no. I had no idea I was coming to USF. I made that decision in the summer time after I got my release and all that.
So why did you decide to leave Oregon?
You know they have a great coaching staff, great players, great guys all around. It just wasn’t a good fit for me at the time. I was hurt with my lower back, so I felt that it was best.
Two wins in two days at your old training grounds, how does that feel?
It feels really good, actually. They’re a great team, I mean they’re number eight in the nation or top 10 in the nation. They play good baseball. But we can compete with anyone in the nation if we just do what we do. Do our offense and let the pitchers pitch and get outs. We’ll be fine.
What does the future hold for you after your final year in college baseball?
Hopefully I get drafted. And if not I’m going to try to work for a sports agency or do some real estate development.
Follow Andrew Bantly on Twitter @andrewbantly