Arizona has a baseball Hall of Famer, its first in school history.
Trevor Hoffman, a legendary reliever with the San Diego Padres in his big-league career, secured the required 75 percent of the vote from the Baseball Writers’ Association on Wednesday.
Trevor Hoffman
Chipper Jones, Vladimir Guerrero and Jim Thome were also elected into the Hall of Fame.
Hoffman, who had 79.9 percent of the voting, made it on his third year of balloting.
Hoffman, 50, played shortstop at Arizona and was drafted in the 11th round by the Cincinnati Reds. After not having much success batting, Hoffman was converted to a pitcher. He was able to throw up to 95 miles per hour.
The Hall called. Trevor Hoffman answered. #HOFfman pic.twitter.com/sCF3SnlLUJ
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) January 24, 2018
The Marlins acquired him in the 1992 expansion draft, and he pitched in Florida until he was traded to the Padres mid-season in 1993 in a deal that sent star Gary Sheffield to the Marlins. Hoffman became the face of the franchise after Tony Gwynn retired.
He collected at least 30 saves each year for the next 14 years. After San Diego did not re-sign him following the 2008 season, Hoffman pitched for two years with the Brewers before retiring after the 2010 season.
I’m humbled, honored and thankful for my election into the Hall. Thanks to my family, friends, fans, the Padres and the writers for your continuous support. Looking forward to joining the other Padres in Cooperstown and honored to be going in with this class of legends! pic.twitter.com/SGevM6qbyk
— Trevor Hoffman (@THoffman51) January 25, 2018
Hoffman was one of many former Arizona standouts who attended the funeral Jan. 6 of legendary coach Jerry Kindall, who passed away last month from a stroke.
This is a picture with Kindall, Kevin Long (left kneeling) and Hoffman:
(Arizona baseball photo)
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