While Trevor Hoffman is a legend no matter what year, the timing of this new series was perfect because he is eligible for the Hall of Fame ballot in 2016. So, there would be a lot to talk about – that, and of course being in his 5th year of retirement and the changes just a new schedule can bring.
I hadn’t seen Trevor for a few months, but each time it was not with my daughter Lily. So when we coordinated the shoot at his home just before he’d head to spring training, he said, “Please bring Lily, if you can. Tracy and I would love to meet her!” Wow! I brought along a friend in case I needed help. In fact, Lily had a little upset tummy in the car, but was fine once we arrived and she had a blast at the Hoffman house, running back and forth on the big lawn.
We conducted the main interview inside — covering family life, the Hall of Fame ballot, his take on the steroid era and why he chose to be “clean.” All that is in the show and is quite compelling. Afterward Trevor was so cute with Lily in the yard — kicking and throwing a ball and taking pictures. Poor thing, though. While playing with the dogs – one of them knocked Lily over. She cried. Trevor held her. Then one knocked me over when I was crouching down to pet them. I didn’t cry and could get up… but those bulldogs are strong.
I was surprised but glad to see Trevor had cut his hair. He said it was time… as he was visiting the kids in the minor leagues.
I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Trevor over the years through his emergence and evolution as a pitcher and wonderful human being. For more on my experiences and more details about how he was once more guarded and feared, get my book. He’s a featured chapter.
Show Summary: One on One with Jane Mitchell featuring the Legend Trevor Hoffman
His early numbers indicated he was on track for a Hall of Fame career, and after an 18-year career, in 2016 Trevor Hoffman will indeed be eligible for the Hall of Fame ballot. He retired as baseball’s All-Time Saves leader (surpassed later by Yankee Mariano Rivera) and is admired across the game. In this edition, a new interview with #51 at home puts perspective on his five years of retirement and that Hall of Fame possibility. We include parts of his story told over the years about his make-up and focus, and include in particular the beautiful ceremony in August 2011 when his number was retired at Petco Park. See how he grew from the skinny kid with a ballerina for a mother and a singing usher for a father – into one of the game’s great closers. His humor, humility and high standards combine for a compelling story. 30-mins