Journey of Toronto Blue Jays Closer Jeff Hoffman from Shaker High to Major League Baseball
Jeff Hoffman, a key relief pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, has experienced a remarkable journey from his high school days to Major League Baseball. He was born on January 8, 1993, in Latham, New York. Hoffman is a graduate of Shaker High School, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball.
High School Achievements
At Shaker High, Hoffman distinguished himself as a standout athlete. He graduated in 2011, earning several accolades, including:
- First-team All-State honors
- Suburban Council Pitcher of the Year
- Times Union Pitcher of the Year
His performance helped lead the Blue Bison to a Section 2 Class AA title and an appearance in the state finals. In recognition of his contributions, the school retired his No. 23 jersey in 2017.
Path to Professional Baseball
Despite his high school success, Hoffman went undrafted in 2011 due to his low fastball velocity. However, playing with the South Troy Dodgers that summer allowed him to increase his speed and catch the eye of college scouts. This led to a scholarship at East Carolina University.
From 2012 to 2014, he posted a 3.27 ERA with 211 strikeouts over 249.2 innings. His final season ended with a 2.94 ERA, but he faced a setback due to Tommy John surgery ahead of the 2014 MLB draft.
Major League Career
Hoffman was chosen as the ninth overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. He spent time in the minors before being traded to the Colorado Rockies in 2015. His major league debut came on August 20, 2016, against the Chicago Cubs.
Throughout his career, Hoffman has played for several teams, including the Rockies, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and notably, the Blue Jays. Initially starting as a pitcher, he found success as a reliever, especially during his time with the Phillies where he recorded impressive statistics.
2023 Season and Recent Performance
In the 2023 season, Hoffman showcased his talent with a 2.41 ERA across 54 appearances. The following year, he further improved, achieving a 2.17 ERA with 10 saves and 89 strikeouts, earning an All-Star selection.
Return to Toronto
After a breakout season with the Phillies, Hoffman signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Blue Jays in January. In the regular season, he recorded a 9-7 record with 33 saves and a 4.37 ERA over 61 games. As the postseason began, he continued to perform, achieving one save and a 2.70 ERA in three games.
Jeff Hoffman’s career is a testament to his resilience and talent. From his roots in Latham, New York, to becoming a vital part of the Blue Jays bullpen, he exemplifies the journey of determination in Major League Baseball.
