All-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman retires at 43

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Baseball's all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman has thrown his final changeup, deciding at age 43 to retire and return to the San Diego Padres in a front office job.

The Beverly Hills Sports Council, which represents Hoffman, today confirmed that he is done after recording 601 saves in 18 seasons.

Hoffman played the bulk of his career with San Diego after being acquired as a rookie from the Florida Marlins in 1993 during the Padres' infamous "Fire Sale" that stripped away most of their high-paid veterans. He left San Diego as a free agent following the 2008 season after contract talks abruptly ended, and pitched with the Milwaukee Brewers for two seasons.

MLB.com first reported Hoffman's retirement.

Hoffman didn't return messages seeking comment. Hoffman is scheduled to appear at a news conference at Petco Park on Wednesday morning.

Padres co-owner Jeff Moorad said Hoffman will spend the next year familiarizing himself with several departments, including baseball operations, and then the two sides will determine what area will be best for him.