Trevor Hoffman Saves

Hall of Fame closer who revolutionized the changeup and became the first to reach 500 and 600 saves.

Trevor William Hoffman (born October 13, 1967) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 18 years in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1993 to 2010. A long-time closer, he pitched for the Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres, and Milwaukee Brewers, including more than 15 years for the Padres. Hoffman was the major leagues' first player to reach the 500- and 600-save milestones, and was the all-time saves leader from 2006 until 2011. The National League (NL) leader in career saves, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018. Hoffman currently serves as senior advisor for baseball operations for the Padres.

Quick Facts

Role: Relief Pitcher; Closer
Affiliation: San Diego Padres (Primary Era)
Status: Retired; Hall of Fame Inductee
Record held: Most Career Saves in MLB History (at retirement)
Franchise record: Padres All-Time Leader in Saves and Games Finished

Lore & Background

Hoffman played shortstop collegiately at the University of Arizona and was drafted in the 11th round by the Cincinnati Reds. After not having much success batting, he was converted to a pitcher, as he was able to throw up to 95 miles per hour (MPH). The Marlins acquired Hoffman in the 1992 expansion draft, and he pitched for Florida until he was traded to the Padres, mid-season in 1993, in a deal that sent star Gary Sheffield to the Marlins. Hoffman recorded 20 saves in 1994 in his first season as Padres closer, and in the following years, he became the face of the franchise after Tony Gwynn retired.

Hoffman collected at least 30 saves each year for the next 14 years with San Diego, except for 2003 when he missed most of the year recovering from shoulder surgery. After the Padres did not re-sign him following the 2008 season, Hoffman pitched for two years with the Brewers before retiring after the 2010 season.

Reader's Guide

Hoffman was selected for the All-Star team seven times, and twice he was the runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award. He retired with MLB records of fifteen 20-save seasons, fourteen 30-save seasons (including eight consecutive), and nine 40-save seasons (including two streaks of four consecutive). He also retired with the highest career strikeout rate of any reliever. Though Hoffman entered the majors with a powerful fastball, an injury after the 1994 season permanently diminished his fastball velocity and forced him to reinvent his pitching style; he subsequently developed one of the best changeups in baseball. Hoffman's entrance at home games accompanied by the AC/DC song "Hells Bells" was popular with fans.

Did You Know?

Hoffman was born in Bellflower, California, and had a damaged kidney removed when he was six weeks old.
His father, Ed, was a Marine and veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima, later known as the Singing Usher at California Angels games.
Hoffman's older brother Glenn played shortstop in the Boston Red Sox organization.
Hoffman led the University of Arizona in hitting in 1988 with a .371 batting average.
He was converted from shortstop to pitcher in 1991 after batting only .212 in his first 103 minor league games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Trevor Hoffman during his time with San Diego?

He served as the team's primary closer for over 15 years following a trade in 1993.

How consistent was his performance regarding saves?

Hoffman recorded at least 30 saves in 14 separate seasons while wearing the Padres uniform. The only exception occurred in 2003 when shoulder surgery limited his appearances significantly.

What song accompanied his home entrances?

Fans recognized him by the AC/DC track "Hells Bells" which played as he entered the stadium for home games. This iconic introduction became synonymous with his presence on the mound.