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Career timeline: Trevor Hoffman

1991: Now pitching

Hoffman toiled as a shortstop in the Minors, but his strong arm gave the Reds an idea: Convert him into a fireballing reliever.

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1993: First save

Of Hoffman's 601 career saves, 552 came as a Padre. But his first came as a Marlin.

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1993: Off to SD

Hoffman changed teams as part of the Gary Sheffield trade -- a much-maligned deal in San Diego at the time.

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1995: Changing it up

Teammate Donnie Elliott taught Hoffman his changeup grip. Now, "Master of a mystifying changeup," are the first words on Hoffman's HOF plaque.

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1998: Bells are ringing

AC/DC’s “Hells Bells” -- Hoffman's signature entrance music -- made its debut at Qualcomm Stadium in July 1998, then moved to Petco Park.

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1998: SD saves record

Hoffman set a franchise record with 53 saves in 1998 -- en route to a second-place NL Cy Young finish.

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1998: Hoffman seals the pennant

Hoffman's 1-2-3 ninth in Atlanta in Game 6 of the NLCS clinched the Padres' second NL title.

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1999: Hoffman the hitter

Hoffman authored this two-run double against in St. Louis. Hey, he did break into the pros as a hitter, after all.

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2006: Record-setter

Hoffman's 1-2-3 ninth against the Pirates sealed his 479th save -- passing Lee Smith for the career record.

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2010: Mr. 600

Hoffman finished his career in Milwaukee, where he became the first pitcher to record 600 saves. Only Mariano Rivera has joined him.

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2018: A call from Cooperstown

In his third appearance on the ballot, Hoffman was elected to the Hall of Fame, joining Tony Gwynn and Dave Winfield by wearing a Padres cap in Cooperstown.