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 SAN DIEGO (AP) - Trevor Hoffman's teammates hoisted him on their shoulders and carried him off the field. Well, "Hells Bells," that's the sweet ride you get after saving 500 games. Hoffman, who had a dubious start in San Diego 14 years ago, became the first big leaguer to reach that plateau when he saved the San Diego Padres' 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night.
Hoffman was able to sneak an 87 mph fastball — rather than his trademark changeup — past Russell Martin for the final out. His teammates surrounded him and patted him on the head before David Wells and Heath Bell lifted the bullpen ace onto their shoulders and hauled him toward the dugout.
Hoffman addressed the crowd and then, once inside the clubhouse, the Padres toasted their popular closer with champagne.
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