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299. Brian Downing

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299. Brian Downing
  1. General
  2. Awards
  3. Career Stats
  • Born: October 9, 1950 in Los Angeles, CA USA
  • Weight: 170 lbs.
  • Height: 5'10"
  • Bats: R
  • Throws: R
  • Debut: May 31, 1973
  • Final Game: October 04, 1992
  • MVP - 1979
  • MVP - 1982
  • MVP - 1984
 
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Brian Downing played his entire professional career in the American League, where he was in the lineup as either a Catcher, Outfielder, or Designated Hitter.

Downing first cracked a Major League roster in 1972 with the Chicago White Sox, but it was with the California Angels (where he signed in 1978) where he became one of the most underappreciated players in baseball.  An All-Star in 1979, Downing began a ten-year streak where he had at least 14 Home Runs in 1982.  Leading the league in Walks in 1987, Downing was one of the most consistent players for a decade, though he went under the radar for most of his peers and pundits.

Downing methodically accumulated 2,089 Hits, 275 Home Runs, 1,073 RBIs, and a .287 Batting Average.

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
  • Eligible In: Monday, 01 January 1996
  • Position: Catcher, Designated Hitter, Outfield
  • Games Played: 2344
  • Notable Statistics: 1,188 Runs Scored
    2,099 Hits
    360 Doubles
    28 Triples
    275 Home Runs
    1,073 Runs Batted In
    50 Stolen Bases
    .267/.370/.425 Slash Line
    51.5 bWAR

    16 Playoff Games
    7 Runs Scored
    12 Hits
    1 Double
    0 Triples
    1 Home Run
    8 Runs Batted In
    0 Stolen Bases
    .197/.292/.262 Slash Line
  • Played For: California Angels, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    World Series Rings (None) 
    All-Star (1) (1979)
    Most Walks (1) (AL) (1987)

  • Other Points of Note:

    2 Top Ten Finishes (Offensive bWAR)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Batting Average)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (On Base Percentage)
    2 Top Ten Finishes (Runs Scored)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Total Bases)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Doubles)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Home Runs)
    4 Top Ten Finishes (Walks)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Extra Base Hits)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Win Probability Added)
    4 Top Ten Finishes (Championship Win Probability Added)

  • Notable All Time Rankings:

    45. Times Hit By Pitch: 129
    64. Walks: 1,197

  • Vote Percentage Received for the Hall of Fame:

    1998: 0.4%

  • Should be Inducted As A: California Angel

Should Brian Downing be in the Baseball Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 0%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 0%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%

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