A former professional baseball pitcher. Born on October 14, 1965, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 19th round of the 1989 MLB June Amateur Draft from the University of Missouri.

Prior to his professional career, Potthoff was a multi-sport athlete at the University of Missouri, playing both baseball and basketball. In high school at Francis Howell in St. Charles, Missouri, he was also noted as a hard worker with significant talent.

Potthoff played three seasons in the minor leagues, all within the Dodgers organization, from 1989 to 1991. He pitched for the Great Falls Dodgers (Rookie League), Bakersfield Dodgers (High-A), and Vero Beach Dodgers (High-A). Over his 11 minor league appearances (4 starts), he compiled a 0-1 record with one save and a 3.86 ERA in 23.1 innings pitched, striking out 22 batters. His career was impacted by elbow injuries, which ultimately limited his time on the mound.

After his professional baseball career, Potthoff settled in Florida and pursued a career as a sales director for Anheuser-Busch, also becoming an accomplished amateur golfer.