Brian Downing

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Brian Downing (1970s)

Brian Jay Downing (b. October 9, 1950 in Los Angeles, California) is a former professional baseball player who had a 20-year MLB career.

The early part of his career with the Chicago White Sox (1973-1977), was not promising. He hit only .225 as a rookie catcher, and .240 in his second year, with only 7 home runs in 138 games. Nor was his defense exceptional. There was no reason to think Brian Downing had a long career in front of him.

But Downing committed to serious weight training and in 1979 dramatically changed his batting stance, and hit an impressive .326. He began as a catcher, but because his offense was so valuable, he was moved to the outfield to reduce risk of injury after moving to the California Angels (1978-1990). He did not have great range as an outfielder but was exceptionally reliable on balls hit in his range.

Downing played his final two seasons with the Texas Rangers. He also spent much time, especially late in his career, as a designated hitter. He remained a productive hitter until retiring at age 41.

Six-times Downing hit over 20 HR in a season, and he finished his career with a .267 average, 275 HR, 1073 RBI and 1188 runs scored. He was an American League All-Star in 1979 when he hit .326 with 12 HR, 75 RBI and 81 runs scored. His best all-around season came in 1982 when pummeled 28 HR, had 84 RBI, scored 109 runs and hit .281. Downing set single-season career highs with 95 RBI in 1986 and 29 HR, 110 runs scored and an AL leading 106 walks in 1987.

In 1985 Downing played himself, wearing nothing but a towel, when Louise Jefferson accidentally wandered into a baseball locker-room in an episode of "The Jeffersons."