Playing career, in brief: Downing originally came up with the Yankees in 1961 but had his first full season in 1963, going 13-5 with a 2.56 ERA. His 1964 was even better, leading the AL with 217 strikeouts. As the Yankees' fortunes waned in the late 1960s, so did Downing's. He put up solid numbers but not as good as his first two seasons, though he was an All-Star in 1967. After the 1969 the Yankees traded him to Oakland, who quickly flipped him to Milwaukee. Before the 1971 season the Brewers traded him to the Dodgers, where he was named Comeback Player of the Year, going 20-9 with a 2.68 ERA in 1971. He had a couple more good seasons, hanging on through 1977. Overall in 405 games he went 123-107 with 1,639 strikeouts and a 3.22 ERA. Despite these very good numbers, Downing is best known as the pitcher who allowed Hank Aaron's 715th home run.
Post playing career, in brief: After his playing career he was a Dodgers announcer for many years. He is now retired but still makes appearances for the Yankees and Dodgers.
My collection: I have 16 of his cards, from 1962 to 1976. I would be interested in trading for 1967 Dexter Press New York Yankees #DT-22292C.
Al Downing was the first former dodger I ever met. He was super nice and talked with 10 year old gcrl for several minutes. Asked me about little league and all that. Made a fan for life.
ReplyDeleteHe played a little before my time, but I do know his name for Hank's home run.
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