Only about two years separate the first appearances of Brett Favre (1991) and Trevor Hoffman.

When it comes to class, though, the two are miles apart.

Hoffman's celebration Tuesday night, after the veteran closer recorded his 600th career save, was a textbook example of why he is one of the classiest players not just in baseball, but in professional sports.

Here's a guy that practically redefined his position. He was, for years, one of the game's best. He parted ways with his old team, found a new home and after finding success, fell into a hole.

He worked his way out and throughout it all, Hoffman was a gentleman. He was there, waiting at his locker, when reporters came calling after another blown save. He didn't pout when he pitched his way out of the closer's job, choosing instead to make himself available as a sounding board to his replacement.

He thanked his team, his fans and his family when he finally hit No. 600, making it seem as if his accomplishment was seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

When have you ever heard stories about Favre throwing a locker room celebration to mark a teammate's major accomplishments? Favre didn't even dress in the same locker room while in Green Bay.

This isn't an attempt to pit Favre and Hoffman against each other. Just wanted to point out that for all the stories we hear about immature, spoiled and misbehaving athletes ... there are still some really, really good guys left. 

Through it all this year -- and it's been pretty bad at times -- Trevor Hoffman been a class act.