Behind door #10 we find...Trevor Hoffman!
So we established last week that Hoffman has something in common with this guy:
But we also know he has something in common with this guy:
via www.operationlettertosanta.com
Yes, Trevor Hoffman is old. He'll be 41 on Opening Day, when he starts his 17th big league season. He's also averaged 37.8 saves over the last 14 seasons, despite one season (2003) where he didn't close a single game.
In 2007, Hoffman was the oldest pitcher ever to record 40 saves. In 2008, Hoffman was only the third pitcher ever to record 30 saves in a season after his 40th birthday. In 2009, he could be the second ever to reach that figure at 41. Here are the oldest pitchers ever to record 30 saves:
Pitcher | Season | Age | Team | Saves |
Dennis Eckersley | 1997 | 42 | St. Louis | 36 |
Dennis Eckersley | 1996 | 41 | St. Louis | 30 |
Doug Jones | 1997 | 40 | Milwaukee | 36 |
Trevor Hoffman | 2008 | 40 | San Diego | 30 |
Trevor Hoffman | 2007 | 39 | San Diego | 42 |
Todd Jones | 2007 | 39 | Detroit | 38 |
Trevor Hoffman | 2006 | 38 | San Diego | 46 |
Jose Mesa | 2004 | 38 | Pittsburgh | 43 |
Mariano Rivera | 2008 | 38 | New York (AL) | 39 |
Todd Jones | 2006 | 38 | Detroit | 37 |
Dennis Eckersley | 1993 | 38 | Oakland | 36 |
Tom Gordon | 2006 | 38 | Philadelphia | 34 |