Al Downing grew up playing baseball in Trenton, New Jersey, starring for local youth teams. As a teenager in the 1950s, Downing stood out for his pitching talent and drew the attention of Phillies scout Bill Yancey.
After some college struggles threatened his basketball scholarship, Yancey intervened to bring Downing into the Yankees organization. This fateful meeting opened the door for Downing to make history.
Signing With Yankees At Age 19
Downing signed his first pro contract with the Yankees in 1961 at just 19 years old. He quickly rose through the minors with his blazing fastball.
The Yankees called him up to debut in July 1961, though Downing later admitted he “wasn’t ready” and allowed 5 runs while recording just one out. However, catcher Yogi Berra reassured reporters that Downing would stick in the majors.
Returning to Dominate in 1963
After spending 1962 back in Triple-A, Downing returned to the Yankees in 1963 a different pitcher. He opened his season with a dominant 2-hit shutout and became a key starter as the Yankees won their 4th straight AL pennant.
Downing went 13-5 with a 2.56 ERA, emerging as a star at just 22 years old. With 171 strikeouts, he displayed the potential to become an ace.
“I knew I had the tools, and now I had the confidence,” Downing later said. “I felt like I could get out of any jam.”
All-Star, World Series Appearances
Downing backed up his breakout 1963 by leading the AL with 217 strikeouts in 1964, ending a 12-year drought for Yankee pitchers. He earned his first of three All-Star nods in 1967.
Downing also starred in the 1963 and 1964 World Series. Though the Yankees fell short, he cemented his status as a reliable postseason arm.
Over his Yankees tenure, Downing won 75 games with a 3.32 ERA across nearly 1,300 innings. However, elbow troubles derailed him by 1969.
Later Success with Dodgers
After stints with Oakland and Milwaukee, Downing revived his career when he joined the Dodgers in 1971. At age 30, he won 20 games and finished 3rd in NL Cy Young voting.
Downing pitched into his late 30s with the Dodgers, even reaching one last World Series in 1974. In an iconic moment, he allowed Hank Aaron’s record 715th home run on April 8, 1974.
Downing retired after the 1977 season with a lifetime 123-107 record and 3.22 ERA. Though largely forgotten today outside Yankees circles, Downing’s barrier-breaking career paved the way for future Black stars in pinstripes.
