Brian Downing
| Birthdate | 10/9/1950 |
| Death Date | |
| Debut Year | 1973 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Angels, Rangers, White Sox |
| Positions | Catcher, Designated Hitter, Left Field |
Brian Downing retired as the Angels franchise career leader in walks, hits, doubles, homers, & RBI; he was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2009.
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From the time he was young, Brian Downing persisted in baseball until reaching the big leagues
From the time he was young, Brian Downing persisted in baseball until reaching the big leagues
Born in Los Angeles, Brian Downing learned baseball at an early age and loved the game. In his youth he gave no indication of possessing big league talent. His family moved to neighboring Anaheim where Downing tried out for the team at Magnolia High School. Cut from the squad, Downing stuck with it.
So began a pattern of persistence that helped Downing enjoy a 20-year major league career.
After high school he caught on as a bullpen catcher at Cypress Community College. Failing to get traction with the school’s team, Downing kept at it. He attended a tryout for the Chicago White Sox. After performing well, he was signed and sent to team’s rookie team in the Gulf Coast League in 1970.
Downing ascended rapidly through the Chicago system and received a call up at the end of May in ’73. Downing’s first taste of the show came as defensive replacement at third base for Sox slugger Bill Melton on May 31st.
On the first pitch with Downing on the field, Detroit’s Dick McAuliffe lifted a foul ball toward the third base dugout. Downing raced over and made a diving catch sliding down the dugout steps and injuring himself. After one pitch, he was replaced by Hank Allen. Downing went to the 60-day disabled list and did not play again for the White Sox again until August. Downing again pressed forward.
He spent the next five seasons working to solidify his place at the game’s highest level. The years in Chicago were nondescript. Downing hit .243 with hit 22 home runs in 1,530 plate appearances.
In December of ’77 the White Sox dealt Downing to the Angels as part of a six-player trade that sent Bobby Bonds to Chicago. Downing’s homecoming to his old stomping ground did wonders for his career.
Downing spent the next 13 seasons in Anaheim, pushing the franchise to new heights. In his second season with the Halos, Downing was named to the American League All Star team. His .326 average and .418 on-base percentage helped the team reach the postseason for the first time in franchise history.
A broken ankle kept Downing sidelined for most of the 1980 campaign. It also forced a move from behind the plate to left field in ’81. Downing took to the outfield immediately, setting an American League record with 244 consecutive errorless games from 1981-1983. In the middle of the streak in ’82 Downing’s errorless season and 28 homers pushed the Angels to their second postseason in four years.
Two years later in ’84 Downing began a string of five straight 20-homer seasons and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player. In ’86 he knocked in a career-high 95 runs as the team made its third postseason appearance with Downing. The 1987 season was the fourth 4-WAR season of his career. Downing posted his third campaign with a .400 on-base percentage, while his 29 homers and 106 walks were personal-bests.
Downing’s all-around play quietly elevated his status as one of the best players in franchise history. When his time in Anaheim ended in 1990, Downing was the team’s all-time leader in hits, walks, doubles, homers, and RBI.
Downing concluded his career with two seasons in Texas where he hit a respectable .278 with a .390 on-base percentage. He left the game with a 51.5 career WAR. That figure is higher than many Cooperstown performers including Orlando Cepeda, Kirby Puckett, and Mickey Cochrane.
In 2009 Downing was inducted into the Angels team Hall of Fame.
In the collection is this Brian Downing autographed Strat-O-Matic card from his final season in 1992.
Bucknell University math major Hal Richman originated the Strat-O-Matic game in 1961. Advertised in Sports Illustrated and sold out of Richman’s basement, Strat-O-Matic gave its players the ability to make managerial decisions based on MLB statistics.
After Bill Veeck sent Downing to the Angels in a trade for Bobby Bonds, Downing's career took off
After Bill Veeck sent Downing to the Angels in a trade for Bobby Bonds, Downing's career took off
Brian Downing’s first 5 big league seasons were spent in Chicago with the White Sox. Four hundred and fifty-three games in the Windy City produced a slash line of .243/.351/.344.
On December 5, 1977 the White Sox sent the 27-year old Downing to the Angels as part of a six-player deal. To get Downing, Dave Frost, and Chris Knapp, the Angels sent Thad Bosley, Richard Dotson, and slugger Bobby Bonds.
The change of scenery changed the trajectory of Downing’s career. With the Angels, his career blossomed. By the time his 13 seasons in California were over, Downing held the franchise records for hits, walks, doubles, home runs, and RBI.
In 2009 Downing was inducted into the Angels team Hall of Fame.
In the collection is this letter dated December 19, 1977, two weeks after the fateful trade. Written on White Sox letterhead, it is authored by Chicago owner and Hall of Famer Bill Veeck.
The Hall of Fame owner has high praise for Bonds.
“Yes, we feel very good about the acquisition of Bobby Bonds. Anytime you can get a complete player, such as he is, it gives one the feeling of a job well accomplished. We are looking forward to Bobby playing a vital role with the White Sox.”
Veeck had every reason to feel optimistic. The year before, Bonds was terrific. He slugged 37 homers, stole 41 bases, drove in 115 runs, and slugged .520.
Two months after the trade Bonds caused a two-car accident and was arrested for drunk driving. His was sentenced to three years of probation.
Bonds’ stay in the Windy City was brief; the Sox dealt him in May after just 26 games.
Love Brian Downing, grew up watching him and got yelled at by coach for adopting his wide-open stance in LL. Having said that, he doesn’t belong in the Hall. Truly a great player to watch, busted his butt always, but a bit short of HOF worthy.