Someday — perhaps someday soon — the Padres will erect a statue to celebrate Trevor Hoffman’s impact in San Diego. Like it did with Tony Gwynn and Jerry Coleman, Hoffman’s bronzed likeness at Petco Park will revel as much in his accomplishments as the National League’s leading save artist as in what he’s meant to both a floundering franchise and a community ever in search of a sporting identity.
He’s already in the Padres’ Hall of Fame. His No. 51 jersey is retired. In San Diego, Hoffman — not AC/DC — owns Hells Bells.
Of course, outside this sunny vacation destination, the debate surrounding one-inning specialists wages on as voters, pundits and fans prepare for Wednesday’s unveiling of the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016.