Trevor Hoffman

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. The Marlins acquired Hoffman in the 1992 expansion draft, and he was traded to the Padres mid-season in 1993 in a deal that sent Gary Sheffield to the Marlins. Hoffman recorded 20 saves in 1994 in his first season as Padres closer. He 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. Hoffman 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. Hoffman's entrance at home games accompanied by the AC/DC song 'Hells Bells' was popular with fans.

In Their Own Story

The late summer air hung heavy over Petco Park as the ninth inning approached with the Padres clinging to a one-run lead. The crowd fell into a hush, the kind of silence that only exists when destiny is at stake. Trevor Hoffman stepped onto the mound, adjusting his cap and staring down the lineup. He didn't need to say a word; the sight of number 51 was enough to settle the nerves of the fans. With a sharp windup and a devastating cutter, he struck out the side, sealing another victory in a career that would eventually be etched into baseball immortality.

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 developed one of the best changeups in baseball after an injury after the 1994 season permanently diminished his fastball velocity. After retiring as a player, Hoffman returned to the Padres as a special assistant in the front office. In 2014, he became the team's pitching coordinator at their upper minor league levels. The following year, his role expanded to overseeing pitching instruction at all levels in the minors.

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 worked at the post office, and was known as the Singing Usher at California Angels games.
• Hoffman's mother, Mikki, was an English-born ballerina; her father was a professional soccer player with Southend United FC.
• Hoffman's older brother Glenn played shortstop in the Boston Red Sox organization.
• Hoffman led Arizona in hitting in 1988 with a .371 batting average.