1. Early Life and Amateur Career
Al Downing's early life and development in baseball laid the groundwork for his future professional career, starting from his roots in New Jersey through his semi-professional experiences.
1.1. Childhood and Education
Alphonso Erwin Downing was born on June 28, 1941, in Trenton, New Jersey. During his youth, he participated in the Police Athletic League, an organization that often provides sports and educational programs for young people. For his academic pursuits, Downing attended Trenton Central High School. Following high school, he continued his education at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and later at Rider College in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, before embarking on his professional baseball career.
1.2. Semi-Professional Baseball
Before making his debut in Major League Baseball, Al Downing gained valuable experience playing semi-professional baseball. This period allowed him to hone his skills and prepare for the demands of the professional level, contributing to his development as a pitcher.
2. Professional Baseball Career
Al Downing's professional baseball career spanned 17 seasons, marked by significant achievements, challenges, and a memorable moment in baseball history. He transitioned from a promising young talent with the New York Yankees to a veteran pitcher who experienced a remarkable comeback with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
2.1. New York Yankees (1961-1969)
Al Downing began his professional journey after signing with the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent in 1961. He quickly ascended through the ranks, making his major league debut by July of the same year. His first game was on July 19 against the Washington Senators, where he started but pitched only 0.1 inning, allowing five runs, and was charged with the loss.
In 1963, his first full season in the major leagues, Downing demonstrated his potential, achieving a 13-5 win-loss record with an impressive ERA of 2.56. This was for a Yankees team that finished with a strong 104-57 record but was ultimately swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1963 World Series. The following year, in 1964, he recorded a 13-8 record with a 3.47 ERA.
2.1.1. Key Achievements with the Yankees
During his time with the Yankees, Al Downing achieved several notable accomplishments that solidified his reputation as a formidable pitcher. In 1964, he led the American League in strikeouts with 217. His performance continued to earn recognition, and in 1967, he was selected for his only All-Star team, holding a 9-5 record with a 2.66 ERA at the time of selection. In the All-Star game, he pitched two innings, giving up no earned runs while striking out two batters. A particularly rare achievement occurred on August 11, 1967, when Downing struck out all three batters on just nine total pitches in the second inning of a game against the Cleveland Indians. This feat, known as an immaculate inning, was the first in Major League Baseball since 1964 and only the 13th in major league history at that point.
However, injuries began to affect Downing's career. In 1968, he was limited to only twelve starts due to a shoulder injury, reportedly from overusing his fastball, which even led to a brief demotion to the minor leagues. After this, his once dominant fastball declined, prompting him to adapt his pitching style. He began to rely more on off-speed pitches, including a slow curveball and a screwball. In 1969, Yankees manager Ralph Houk increasingly used Downing out of the bullpen, where he made fifteen starts and fifteen relief appearances. Prior to the 1970 season, Downing was traded to the Oakland Athletics along with catcher Frank Fernández in exchange for Danny Cater and Ossie Chavarria.
2.2. Oakland Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers (1970)
After his trade from the Yankees, Al Downing had brief and challenging stints with two different teams during the 1970 season. The Oakland Athletics traded Downing and Tito Francona to the Milwaukee Brewers on June 11, 1970, in exchange for Steve Hovley. Despite a respectable 3.34 ERA with the Brewers, Downing's record was 2-10 for a team that barely avoided losing 100 games, finishing with a 97-loss season. For the entire 1970 season, combining his performances with both the Athletics and Brewers, Downing finished with a 5-13 record, a 3.52 ERA, and 79 strikeouts across 27 games (22 starts). These seasons were marked by continued struggles as he adjusted to his new pitching style and teams.
2.3. Los Angeles Dodgers (1971-1977)
Prior to the start of the 1971 season, the Brewers traded Downing to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Andy Kosco, a move that would mark a significant turning point in his career.
2.3.1. NL Comeback Player of the Year and 20-Win Season
In his first season in the National League (NL) with the Dodgers in 1971, Al Downing experienced a remarkable resurgence. He achieved a career-high 20 wins against just 9 losses, alongside an impressive 2.68 ERA and a league-leading five shutouts. His exceptional performance earned him the NL Comeback Player of the Year honors. Furthermore, he finished third in the NL Cy Young Award balloting, trailing only Ferguson Jenkins and Tom Seaver. This season was a testament to his successful adaptation to a new pitching approach focusing on off-speed pitches after his earlier injury.
2.3.2. Hank Aaron's 715th Home Run
One of the most memorable and historic moments of Al Downing's career occurred on April 8, 1974. Downing was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers against the Atlanta Braves at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The game was highly anticipated, as Braves slugger Hank Aaron had tied Babe Ruth's all-time record of 714 career home runs just four days prior.
In the second inning, with the bases empty, Downing faced Aaron for the first time. He issued a walk to Aaron, which drew loud boos from the crowd of 53,775 spectators eager to witness history. Then, in the bottom of the fourth inning, with a runner on first base and no outs, Downing faced Aaron again. On a pitch from Downing, Hank Aaron hit his 715th career home run, a towering shot that broke Ruth's longstanding record. The stadium erupted in applause, and Downing himself joined in, clapping for Aaron as he rounded the bases. Reflecting on the moment years later, particularly after Aaron's death in 2021, Downing recounted that Aaron had personally told him the day after the historic home run that Downing should not be ashamed of allowing the record-breaking hit, as he had a great career.
Downing made his third and final post-season appearance that season, as his Dodgers reached the 1974 World Series, ultimately losing four games to one against the Oakland Athletics. He played two more full seasons with the Dodgers, but his performance began to decline. He recorded 2 wins in 1975 and 1 win in 1976. Downing was eventually released by the Dodgers during the 1977 season, after starting with a 0-1 record and a 6.75 ERA.
2.4. Career Summary and Retirement
Al Downing retired from professional baseball after his release from the Dodgers on July 21, 1977. His career spanned 17 years, during which he pitched in 405 games.
His pitching style evolved significantly throughout his career. Initially known for his powerful fastball with the Yankees, a shoulder injury in 1968 forced him to develop a more nuanced approach, relying on a diverse array of off-speed pitches like the slow curve and screwball. This adaptability allowed him to continue his career and achieve a notable comeback season.
Here is a summary of Al Downing's career statistics:
| Years Played | Games | Wins | Losses | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 405 | 123 | 107 | 3.22 | 2268.1 | 1639 |
3. Post-Playing Career
After concluding his playing career, Al Downing transitioned into various roles, primarily in broadcasting and public relations within the baseball community.
3.1. Broadcasting Career
Al Downing established a successful broadcasting career as a color analyst for several baseball organizations. He served as an analyst for Los Angeles Dodgers cable-TV broadcasts from 1980 to 1987. He also provided commentary for Dodgers radio in 2005. Beyond his work with the Dodgers, Downing broadcast for CBS Radio in the 1990s and for the Atlanta Braves in 2000.
3.2. Later Life and Public Appearances
In his later life, Al Downing remained connected to baseball. As of 2006, he was involved with the Dodgers Speaker's Bureau, participating in events and engaging with fans. He has also frequently reflected on his career, particularly the historic moment of pitching to Hank Aaron for his 715th home run, often sharing insights into that iconic event and his interactions with Aaron.
4. Legacy and Evaluation
Al Downing's career holds a significant place in baseball history, largely due to a single iconic moment, but also for his resilience and contributions to the sport.
4.1. Historical Significance
The enduring historical importance of Al Downing's career is most prominently tied to his role in Hank Aaron's record-breaking 715th home run. While being the pitcher who allowed such a momentous hit could be seen negatively, Downing's reaction-clapping for Aaron as he rounded the bases-and Aaron's subsequent reassurance to Downing, have contributed to a shared legacy of sportsmanship and mutual respect. This event cemented Downing's place in one of baseball's most celebrated milestones. Beyond this singular event, his consistent performance and adaptability throughout his career demonstrate his skill and dedication to the sport.
4.2. Influence and Recognition
Al Downing's career, particularly his 20-win season in 1971, earned him a place among the "Black Aces", a group of African-American pitchers who have achieved 20 wins in a single MLB season. This recognition highlights his personal accomplishment and contributions as an African-American player in baseball history. His ability to overcome injuries and adapt his pitching style also serves as an example of resilience for subsequent players.