Trevor Hoffman to be inducted into Padres Hall of Fame

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Retired closer Trevor Hoffman is scheduled to be inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame during pre-game ceremonies Saturday at Petco Park.

Hoffman, who ranks second on the all-time saves list with 601 saves, 552 of them while wearing a San Diego uniform, was selected unanimously by a committee consisting of members of the local media and the Padres’ front office.

He will be the ninth person to be inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame, joining Buzzie Bavasi, Nate Colbert, Jerry Coleman, Tony Gwynn, Randy Jones, Ray Kroc, Dick Williams and Dave Winfield.

The converted shortstop was acquired from the Marlins in 1993 in exchange for star slugger Gary Sheffield and went on to compile a record of 54-64 in 16 seasons in San Diego, with a 2.76 ERA and 1,029 strikeouts.

“(Hoffman) was so easy to catch, but he was one of the most difficult pitchers to hit,” said Carlos Hernandez, who caught and hit against him in the 1990s. “That four-seamer, you couldn’t hit it. And if the count got to 3-2, 2-2, 1-1, then that was change-up time. And if you got that, forget it.”

The induction ceremonies, which will take place before a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, will serve as a high point in an otherwise dark year for the Padres — who have suffered the deaths of Coleman and Gwynn, and fired their general manager following another slow start to the season.

This week, team management was blind-sided by negative fan reaction to the the naming of a plaza at Petco Park after longtime Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig.

Fans in attendance will also receive a Padres mesh hat.