Hoblitzell had distant relatives in Charleston, including future politician John D. Hoblitzell Jr., and he fell in love with the state of West Virginia. After that season, Hoblitzell moved to a 540-acre farm in Wood County, West Virginia. He began umpiring minor-league baseball in the 1930s, assigned to the Class AAA International League.
Hoblitzell had family ties in Charleston, including his future politician son John D. Hoblitzell Jr., and he became enamored with the state of West Virginia. Following that year, Hoblitzell settled on a 540-acre farm in Wood County, West Virginia. He began working as a baseball umpire in the 1930s, assigned to the Class AAA International League.