Player Name: Trevor Hoffman
Card Sets: 1992 Bowman
Card Numbers: 11
Why are these cards must have?: This is Hoffman’s only true rookie card. He actually didn’t hit the major leagues until 1993 a year later. He was originally drafted by the Reds in 1989 but was left unprotected during the expansion draft of 1992 (bet they regret that now). He was taken by the Marlins, then traded to the Padres in the Gary Sheffield deal. Overall he has more saves than anyone who played the game (552). His career ERA of 2.78 and WHIP of 1.05 are ridiculously low for anyone who has pitched the number of games (930) he has. He has 7 All Star selections, 2 Rolaids Relief Awards, and was top ten in Cy Young voting 4 times. Other than Rivera and Eckersley, he was possibly the most dominating closer ever to play the game. He is without a doubt a Hall of Famer, it’s just a matter of how long it will take to get in. In my opinion he should get in during his first ballot, but we all know how the writers feel about relievers, so figure somewhere after his fifth.
Scale of 1 – 10, how must have are these cards: 9, one of the absolute best relievers of all time, should be an automatic for your collection. The card books for $10, but on eBay none of his cards are going for around 5 – 6 dollars (slightly higher if graded).
Never knew the Reds had him at one point…