The Top 40 Pitchers in Baseball History, Ranked

#31: Trevor Hoffman

Trevor Hoffman didn’t rely on velocity—he owned moments with a changeup that broke spirits. As Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” played for Rivera, AC/DC’s “Hell’s Bells” signaled Hoffman’s arrival and near-certain defeat with it. Second all-time in saves (601), he was the first to crack 500 and 600.

Padres faithful revered his stoicism; opponents feared that deceptive changeup that fell off the table. A seven-time All-Star, Hoffman helped elevate the modern closer role. He didn’t scream. He didn’t strut. He walked in, shut the doors, and left quietly. When the game teetered on chaos, Trevor Hoffman delivered nothing but calm.