Hoffman earned his 600th save Tuesday night, closing out the Milwaukee Brewers' 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
A few months ago, Hoffman couldn't have been sure this day would come. The 42-year-old reliever lost his job as the Brewers' closer in May after a string of bad outings.
"Unfortunately, I was part of the problem this year in not getting my job done early and getting some momentum going," he said.
Hoffman has pitched better of late with a 2.63 ERA in his last 29 appearances and has been getting ninth-inning work as the team tried to help him reach No. 600.
"September isn't the idea of what I had of walking into this room and talking about this. Nonetheless, it doesn't take any of the edge off by any means," said Hoffman, who had an 11.65 ERA in his first 18 appearances this year.
"It almost enhances the idea of being disciplined, and really if you love the game it's going to love you back," he added. "It tests you in a lot of different areas and a lot of different ways, but I'm truly privileged to be here talking to you about this."
Four people were ejected by the umpires, including a fan, on a night that ended with Hoffman being carried off the field by his teammates.
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