It was a moment that Trevor Hoffman wasn't certain would happen in 2010, if ever.

"I was a player who was questioning if I had enough to get things done," he admitted.

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All questions were erased in a glorious scene Tuesday night that made a cool September evening electric for a disappointing team that never climbed into the pennant race.

When Hoffman recorded his 600th career save to nail down the Milwaukee Brewers' 4-2 victory over St. Louis at Miller Park, the outpouring of respect, gratitude and sheer joy, from teammates as well as the 33,149 in the stands, was something to behold.

"If you love the game, it's going to love you back," said Hoffman, the game's all-time saves leader.

It had been mostly tough love for the longest time, since the 42-year-old changeup artist melted down in the early weeks of the season and lost the closer's job. After blowing five of his first 10 save chances, the banner beyond the bullpen remained stuck on No. 596 for a seemingly interminable time.

"It tested me in a lot of different areas, a lot of different ways," said Hoffman.

But Hoffman kept working, got his game back together and made manager Ken Macha comfortable again with the idea of him finishing games. Rookie John Axford remained the No. 1 closer, but Macha began to look for openings for Hoffman, who held up his end of the bargain.

"His work ethic and perseverance paid off," said Macha, who had to watch the milestone from his office after being ejected in the second inning. "He had to grind it out to get there."

Once Axford escaped a two-on, two-out jam in the eighth by striking out Yadier Molina, pitching coach Rick Peterson went inside to talk with Macha. The decision was made to go to Hoffman, and when he began loosening up in the bullpen, cheers emanated from the stands.

By the time the bullpen door opened and the familiar "Hells Bells" blared from the sound system, everyone was standing, whooping it up. A bloop single by Colby Rasmus was erased when pinch-hitter Randy Winn grounded into a double play, and the decibel level rose as Hoffman faced another pinch-hitter, Aaron Miles.

Miles grounded out to shortstop Craig Counsell, which the always respectful Hoffman noted was a fitting capper to the historic evening.

"The final out was hit to Milwaukee's own, sure-handed Craig Counsell," said Hoffman.

Hoffman immediately was mobbed by teammates in front of the mound, as fellow relievers raced in from the bullpen. Then came a truly special moment, as wife Tracy and sons Brody, Quinn and Wyatt emerged to embrace the emotional hero.

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Kids left school

In anticipation of the occasion, Tracy had removed the couple's three sons from school in Del Mar, Calif., to be on hand should No. 600 become a reality.

"I'm sure they'd like to stay out of school longer," joked Hoffman, tears welling in his eyes as he looked their way. "Family is everything."

As for the fans who stuck with him during the tough times, Hoffman said, "They appreciate people that work hard. It's a fabric of what this town is about. I'm honored to put on this uniform for them."

Before Hoffman's emergence from the bullpen, it was a game marred by ongoing conflicts with the umpires. Macha was ejected for disputing an interference call at second base on Counsell by umpire Tim Timmons that erased an apparent run for the Brewers.

St. Louis pitching coach Dave Duncan was ejected from his perch in the dugout by home plate umpire Bob Davidson for protesting a ball call with Corey Hart at the plate in the third inning. And Davidson wasn't done.

After taking a called third strike in the fifth inning, Brewers centerfielder Chris Dickerson slammed his bat and helmet to the ground as he walked away. Davidson immediately ejected Dickerson for that display.

Davidson's most unusual and unexpected dismissal came in the seventh inning when he had security remove a fan from behind home plate. The fan reportedly was heckling Cards catcher Molina to the point that Davidson decided he had to go.

Hoffman noted the game had a "weird feeling" to it but that was all forgotten after save No. 600 went into the books.

"You can't allow yourself to put the cart in front of the horse," said Hoffman. "You don't let your mind wander that it's going to happen. I'm just thankful I've been given the opportunity to get there."