Trevor Hoffman celebrates with his Padre teammates

June 24, 1993: Sheffield, Rodriguez traded for Hoffman, two other pitchers

On a day the Padres celebrated their 25th anniversary by announcing their "Dream Team", Gary Sheffield, the best third baseman in club history, and pitcher Rich Rodriguez were traded to the Marlins for right-hander Trevor Hoffman and two top-rated pitchers.

June 25, 1993: Hoffman's poor debut brings out boo birds

A day after being acquired from Florida in the Gary Sheffield trade, Trevor Hoffman enters a one-run game in the eighth, surrenders three runs and gets an earful from disgruntled Padres fans.

Aug. 6, 1993: First Padres save is overshadowed by Gwynn's 2,000th hit

It was the kind of hit that said everything about Tony Gwynn's career. A single up the middle. So simple, yet hit so hard. Trevor Hoffman's first save is overshadowed by Gwynn's 2,000th hit.

Feb. 28, 1994: Hoffman, Padres make 3-year commitment

Trevor Hoffman finalized his deal yesterday -- baseball sources say it is worth $1.45 million in total -- making him the second Padre in three weeks to sign a multiyear contract; Phil Plantier received a two-year, $3 million deal.

April 13, 1994: Hoffman takes over as closer

Reliever Gene Harris, who angered Jim Riggleman by questioning the way he was handled Tuesday night, met briefly with his manager. Harris says his elbow hurts and Riggleman is giving the closer's job to Trevor Hoffman for the time being.

March 20, 1996: Hoffman takes heart when he takes the mound

Shoulder pain preoccupied Trevor Hoffman's thoughts much of the 1995 season, after which he underwent rotator-cuff surgery. The pain also took some steam from the pitch by which he earned his living: a fastball that enabled him to strike out 68 batters in 56 innings two years ago. But Hoffman was able to scrape up a good season, in which he converted 31-of-38 save chances, by deploying a curve and changeup to go with a slider and that slower fastball.

April 13, 1997: Extra zip helps Hoffman stop Phils in ninth, gain 100th save

Increased speed on his fastball improves his changeup as he pitches a scoreless inning to wrap up a 3-1 victory and a milestone save.

March 8, 1999: Hoffman becomes best-paid reliever

The $32 million will be paid over four seasons from 2000-03, and the Padres hold an option for 2004. If they exercise the option, Hoffman will make $10 million in the fifth year of the deal.

June 10, 1999: Hoffman's 200th 'something to build on'

Hoffman became the 25th closer to reach the 200-save mark by preserving a 2-1 Padres victory over Oakland at Qualcomm Stadium.

April 3, 2000: Hoffman learned his lessons early

Without his childhood grounding, which included lessons from his parents and another older brother, Glenn, who went on to the major leagues as a shortstop, Hoffman would have reason to act like a big shot.

May 13, 2001: Hoffman plans to stay with Padres until he retires

Rumors were that the Padres would trade star reliever Trevor Hoffman. Only one problem: They weren't true.

Aug. 15, 2001: Hoffman gets save to join 300 club

Trevor Hoffman cracked an exclusive club with his 300th save last night. Expect many, many more from the 33-year-old right-hander, said another man with a sure finishing touch.

April 17, 2005: Can't save them all

Trevor Hoffman has converted nearly 90 percent of his save chances in a career that could take him to Cooperstown. But when he blows a save, San Diego's Chicken Littles emerge.

May 6, 2005: Hoffman earns 400th save in win over Cardinals

Trevor Hoffman's 400th save seals a 6-5 victory over the Cardinals and raises adrenaline bumps on the arms of manager Bruce Bochy and Hoffman's teammates, who regard their relief ace as a future Hall of Famer.

June 6, 2007: Ring up No. 500

Trevor Hoffman fastened another save onto his all-time record last night, raising the total to a tidy 500.

April 3, 2008: Hoffman remains all-time saves leader through ups and downs

NICK CANEPA: So, Padres closer Trevor Hoffman has blown saves, a couple of them more important than others. Big woo. Have we all forgotten what the game in this city would be without "Hells Bells" the past 10 years?