Jerold Hoffberger

Jerold Charles Hoffberger
Born	(1919-04-07) April 7, 1919 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Died	April 9, 1999(1999-04-09) (aged 80) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, businessman, baseball team owner
Years active	1946–1979
Known for	President of National Brewing Company; majority owner of Baltimore Orioles

Jerold Charles Hoffberger (April 7, 1919 – April 9, 1999) was a prominent American entrepreneur who served as president of the National Brewing Company from 1946 until 1973. He held partial ownership of the Baltimore Orioles in the American League from 1954 to 1965 and became the majority owner from 1965 through 1979.

Biography

A native Baltimorean and Jewish businessman, Hoffberger was the sole son of Samuel Hoffberger, a lawyer, Democratic Party advocate, principal shareholder, and chairman of the board at National Brewing. His grandfather, Charles, was engaged in local commerce. Hoffberger pursued his education at the University of Virginia and enlisted in the United States Army during World War II, serving with the 1st Armored Division. His military service included campaigns across Africa, France, Italy, and participation in the Battle of Monte Cassino.

Business career

Following Arthur Deute’s passing, Hoffberger assumed the presidency of National Brewing in 1946, succeeding his father’s appointment. During his tenure, the company experienced remarkable growth, with production escalating from 230,000 barrels in 1946 to two million by 1966.

Baltimore Orioles

Hoffberger was instrumental in moving the St. Louis Browns franchise to Baltimore in 1953, rebranding them as the Orioles by assembling a syndicate that acquired the team for $2.5 million. Initially a silent partner, he progressively increased his ownership stake and secured majority control by 1965. He appointed Frank Cashen as executive vice president, under whose leadership the Orioles captured four American League pennants and two World Series championships between 1966 and 1971.

Despite their success on the field, financial difficulties emerged due to insufficient attendance figures. Hoffberger explored options to sell both the baseball team and brewery, entering negotiations with Labatt Brewing Company. However, these discussions were halted when National merged with Carling Brewery in 1975 to create Carling National Breweries, Inc., with Hoffberger named chairman and CEO. While retaining ownership of the Orioles, any sale required company consent.

In 1976, Hoffberger cast the lone dissenting vote against granting an American League expansion franchise to Toronto backed by Labatt. He had endorsed an alternative bid led by Phil Granovsky with advertising support from Carling but did not succeed.

In recognition of his contributions, Hoffberger was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in 1996 alongside Cal Ripken, Sr., and Billy Hunter. Known for his personal connection with players, Frank Robinson acknowledged Hoffberger’s sincere concern extending beyond athletic performance.

On August 2, 1979, Hoffberger sold controlling interest in the Orioles to Edward Bennett Williams for $12 million; this transaction received unanimous approval from American League owners later that year. During Hoffberger’s final season as owner, the Orioles set a franchise attendance record, narrowly missed winning the World Series by one game, and posted a profit of $1.5 million.

Later life

Hoffberger was widely recognized for his generous philanthropic contributions to institutions including Johns Hopkins Hospital, the University of Maryland, and Goucher College. By 1983, Town & Country magazine reported that his charitable giving had surpassed $10 million.

In the early 1970s, he purchased Sunset Hill Farm near Woodbine, Maryland, dedicating himself to breeding Thoroughbred racehorses. While primarily focused on breeding operations, he also competed as an owner-racer; notably winning the Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn Park Race Track in 1984.

Hoffberger died at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore shortly after celebrating his eightieth birthday.

References

• Beard, Gordon. Birds on the Wing. Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Co., Inc., 1967.
• Sullam, Brian. "Hoffberger 'disappointed'", The Baltimore Sun, December 7, 1988.
• Goldstein, Richard. "Jerold Hoffberger, 80, Owner of Series-Winning Orioles, Dies", New York Times, April 13, 1999.
• Sehlstedt, Albert and Rafael Alvarez. "Jerold C. Hoffberger, 80, former Orioles owner, dies", Baltimore Sun, April 10, 1999.