Hume came into his own in 1979 with the Reds when manager John McNamara started using him exclusively out of the bullpen in the latter part of July.

Hume responded by recording 15 Saves over the last 10 weeks of the '79 season finishing runner-up to J. R. Richard of the Houston Astros for the National League lead with a 2.76 ERA.

Hume was rewarded by being named the National League's Fireman of the Year by The Sporting News (sharing the award with Rollie Fingers).

Hume injured his knee and made his final appearance of the 1982 season on July 26, recording a save against the Cubs.

He was traded along with Gary Redus from the Reds to the Phillies for John Denny and Jeff Gray on December 11, 1985.