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Trevor Hoffman Becomes First Big Leaguer to Reach 500 Saves in Padres' 5-2 Win Over Dodgers
San Diego Padres closer Trevor Hoffman is congratulated by teammates after earning his 500th career save in the Padres 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in their baseball game in San Diego Wednesday, June 6, 2007.
There is a new milestone in baseball 500 saves. Trevor Hoffman became the first big leaguer to reach that mark when he got a save in the San Diego Padres' 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night.
Hoffman set the career record with his 479th save on Sept. 28 against Pittsburgh, breaking Lee Smith's old mark of 478. Hoffman finished the 2006 season with 482.
While noting that 500 is only 22 more than Smith's old record, Hoffman said: "It's special in its own right. I think it's like trying to compare your kids to one another. They're special in their own way."
Hoffman was able to sneak an 87 mph fastball rather than his trademark changeup past Russell Martin for the final out. His teammates surrounded him and patted him on the head before David Wells and Heath Bell lifted the bullpen ace onto their shoulders and carried him off the field.
Once inside the clubhouse, the Padres toasted their popular closer with champagne.
"It's a special moment from an individual standpoint to be at a number that looks a little bit different than some of the other guys that have accrued a lot of saves," said Hoffman, who's always downplayed his accomplishments. "But our focus is definitely on winning a division and moving deep into the postseason and winning a championship."
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=3253684
He's only blown 58 saves in his entire career, converting 90 percent of his chances.
San Diego Padres closer Trevor Hoffman is congratulated by teammates after earning his 500th career save in the Padres 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in their baseball game in San Diego Wednesday, June 6, 2007.
There is a new milestone in baseball 500 saves. Trevor Hoffman became the first big leaguer to reach that mark when he got a save in the San Diego Padres' 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night.
Hoffman set the career record with his 479th save on Sept. 28 against Pittsburgh, breaking Lee Smith's old mark of 478. Hoffman finished the 2006 season with 482.
While noting that 500 is only 22 more than Smith's old record, Hoffman said: "It's special in its own right. I think it's like trying to compare your kids to one another. They're special in their own way."
Hoffman was able to sneak an 87 mph fastball rather than his trademark changeup past Russell Martin for the final out. His teammates surrounded him and patted him on the head before David Wells and Heath Bell lifted the bullpen ace onto their shoulders and carried him off the field.
Once inside the clubhouse, the Padres toasted their popular closer with champagne.
"It's a special moment from an individual standpoint to be at a number that looks a little bit different than some of the other guys that have accrued a lot of saves," said Hoffman, who's always downplayed his accomplishments. "But our focus is definitely on winning a division and moving deep into the postseason and winning a championship."
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=3253684
He's only blown 58 saves in his entire career, converting 90 percent of his chances.
