Trevor Hoffman, Dave Winfield named spokesman for 2016 All-Star Game

Two of the greatest players in San Diego Padres' history have been named spokesmen for the 2016 All-Star Game.

Reliever Trevor Hoffman and outfielder Dave Winfield were selected Thursday to "help to generate public awareness" for the game, which will be played on July 12 at San Diego's Petco Park.

Tony Gwynn is considered the franchise's top all-time player but the eight-time batting champion passed away nearly two years ago.

Hoffman played 16 seasons with the Padres and posted 552 of his 601 career saves with the franchise. He represented San Diego in six All-Star games.

Winfield played the first eight seasons of a 22-year career in San Diego. He hit 154 homers with the Padres and played in four All-Star games - including the 1978 Midsummer Classic played in San Diego.

"When I was here, we hadn't really won a lot," Winfield told reporters after Thursday's announcement. "To earn my stripes as one of the better players in the game and for fans to notice it, too, you could feel the growing momentum. First of all, that was an honor. OK, 'How do you continue to bring this new visibility and respect to the organization, to the city?'

"I was all part of that. I know clearly the way I felt when all that stuff happened. I made that first All-Star Game (in 1977) and that second All-Star Game (in 1978). I was like, 'I'm going to continue to do what is necessary to play well enough to always go to this if I could.' "

San Diego also hosted the All-Star Game in 1992.