Bruce Hoffman

Here’s a nifty piece of trivia: What former Fishermen is the only alum able to claim that he was an All-Metro League selection in football, basketball and baseball? Hint! - It’s the fellow pictured here.

Bruce Hoffman caught the eye of Metro League coaches in all three major sports and became one of a small handful of athletes in that powerful league to claim the all-star trifecta.

Astoria spent from 1957 to 1969 in the suburban Portland conference, which at the time was considered one of the strongest in the state.

On the green acreage known as Gyro Field, Hoffman teamed with Hall of Famer Larry Hill, to form one of the most explosive backfields in Fisherman annals. A favorite play of the Fishermen coach Pete Bryant was the halfback option pass. Quarterback Jeff Craig would take the snap from center, pitch to Hoffman, who in turn would pull-up and loft a strike over stunned defensive backs.

Hoffman completed six of nine aerials during his senior year. Twice in Astoria’s 26-14 over Springfield, the Hall of Famer found a streaking Hill for a 65 yard touchdown and the pair hooked up for a 19 yard score through the air later in the contest. When Astoria opponents had the pigskin, Hoffman would roam sideline to sideline from his linebacker position. In a 14-0 win over Hillsboro, Hoffman was credited with being in on 20 tackles. Hoffman led the 1960 Fishermen cagers in scoring with 301 points. His 22 scores against Centralia in a 50-44 season opening victory would be his career high.

Astoria finished the 1960 hoop season 12-10 overall and 9-7 in Metro League play. Not bad for a team that featured just two players over 6-foot.

Hoffman played with the struggling Astoria High School varsity baseball program during his four year prep career.