San Diego Padres To Retire Trevor Hoffman's Number

The San Diego Padres announced on Thursday that they will retire Trevor Hoffman‘s No. 51 this season.

Hoffman will have his number retired in a ceremony that will take place before the Padres’ August 21st game against the Florida Marlins. Ironically, Hoffman came to the Padres from the Marlins in the trade that sent Gary Sheffield to Florida.

Hoffman played 16 years with the Padres and compiled 552 saves with a 2.76 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 9.7 K/9 and a 22.9 WAR. He was also owner of one of the game's great changeups.

Whether or not you believe Hoffman is a Hall of Fame pitcher (he’ll get in, but I don’t see how he gets in and Lee Smith or Tom Henke are left out), I don’t think there is much debate as to whether or not his number should be retired by the Padres. Not too many guys out there can say they answered the bell for 16 years.

Hoffman will join Steve Garvey (still haven’t figured out why his number is retired by the Padres), Tony Gwynn, Dave Winfield and Randy Jones has players who have had their number retired by San Diego.