Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
When it comes to closing games, most relievers try to slam the door literally – that is, either blow the ball by the hitter (Aroldis Chapman, Lee Smith, Mason Miller) or break their bat (Mariano Rivera). Trevor Hoffman preferred to fool the hitters with his elite changeup. It was so good that when the crowd heard “Hells Bells” playing, they knew the game was likely over. Here are 10 times that Hoffman showed why he’s No. 2 on the all-time saves list (behind Rivera).
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Slamming the Door: Hoffman’s First Career Save in 1993
On April 29, 1993, Trevor Hoffman took the mound to close out the game. It was well before the name change to the Miami Marlins, the new stadium, and a whole host of other changes to the game. He got the last three outs and celebrated with the rest of the Marlins. He would record only one more save for Florida before being traded to the Padres. Little did fans know what greatness was in store.
That Devilish Changeup: Making All-Stars Look Silly
Hoffman didn’t rely solely on his changeup. He could throw a fastball or a curve to keep hitters guessing, but the change was his bread and butter. He burrowed the ball deep into his palm — it evolved from being a circle change to a near palmball. It was the arm motion and the speed change that flummoxed hitters and earned him his Hall of Fame status.
1998 NLCS: Shutting Down the Braves to Send Padres to the World Series
1998 was a great year (mostly) for Hoffman and the Padres. He had 53 saves on the season, which led the league. Then came the big moment: Game 6. Atlanta. Nerves frayed, knuckles white. Hoffman took the ball in the ninth and sent the Padres to their second World Series.
Record-Breaker: Save No. 479 to Top Lee Smith
September 24, 2006: It was only fitting that he did it at home. On a beautiful September day, Hoffman took the mound and closed out save No. 479. As a result, he passed Lee Smith to become MLB’s all-time saves leader. The team mobbed him to celebrate and he made sure to acknowledge all the fans that were there.
Save No. 500: Padres Fans Witness History
On June 6, 2007, Hoffman entered in the ninth, the crowd already on its feet. With his signature calm, he locked down save No. 500, cementing his name among baseball’s immortals. Petco Park was then illuminated by the “500” display to signify the big moment.
The Legendary 600th Save—Elite Company, Cooler Than Ice
September 7, 2010: This was a strange sight: Trevor Hoffman in a Brewers jersey. He became the first pitcher ever to reach 600 saves, and the sign was changed to reflect yet another milestone. Even San Diego fans had to applaud him from afar.
Striking Out the Side at Age 41: The Ageless Wonder
Age is just a number—unless you’re still freezing hitters with changeups in your forties. Hoffman struck out all three batters in a 2010 save, proving that experience and guile sometimes beat youth and velocity.
2006: Closing Out the NL West Title with Ice in His Veins
September 30, 2006: With the NL West title on the line, Hoffman closed the door on the Diamondbacks, clinching the division and sending Petco Park into delirium. He was always a reliable closer, and his managers always felt comfortable signaling for the right-hander.
Never Backed Down Against Bonds
Few pitchers dared challenge Barry Bonds, but Hoffman was never one to duck a duel. With the game on the line, he faced down the home run king again and again—sometimes winning, sometimes learning, always fearless. Their matchups were chess at 60 feet, 6 inches.
Nine Seasons, 40+ Saves Each—An Unmatched Standard
Nine different times in his storied career, Trevor Hoffman reached the elite benchmark of 40 saves in a single season. This wasn’t just a flash in the pan; it was a testament to his enduring skill with the changeup. In a sport where teams often change closers yearly, he was a refreshing constant for the Padres.