"One by one, former Padres made their way onto the Petco Park infield during Tuesday's home opener pregame festivities.

First, 93-year-old George McDonald, who dates back to the Padres' infant Pacific Coast League days, rolled out in a wheelchair. Later came "Downtown" Ollie Brown, followed by Randy Jones, Garry Templeton and Mark Loretta.

Then AC/DC's "Hells Bells" blared across the public address system, bells began chiming, the center field bullpen gate opened and out trotted Trevor Hoffman.

The place went nuts, including Padres relief pitchers, who stopped on their way to the bullpen and applauded Hoffman.

"Trevor coming in from center with 'Hells Bells' playing," said Padres manager Bud Black, "that was pretty cool. Legit."

After building Hall of Fame credentials in 16 seasons with the Padres, Hoffman, 43, closed his career pitching for Milwaukee the past two seasons. He finished with 601 saves, 552 with the Padres.

Hoffman has rejoined the organization as "special assistant to baseball operations."

In spring training, he served as a mentor for the major league pitchers. Black has essentially given Hoffman carte blanche to roam about the team."