1973–1992 · DH

Brian Downing

5' 10", 170 lbs·Lived to 76·Bats R / Throws R

All-Star

The Almanac's Take

Downing's longevity stands out more than peak brilliance. Over two decades with the Angels, the catcher-turned-DH accumulated 2344 games and 275 home runs despite modest yearly power numbers. His best work came late, anchored by a stellar 1979 season that yielded a .326 average and 121 OPS+. Steady rather than spectacular, Downing finished with a career 110 OPS+ and one All-Star selection, embodying the value of consistency and position flexibility in accumulating 1073 RBI.

Career Highs

.886

Best OPS · 1987

Most HR · 1987

Most RBI · 1986

.326

Best AVG · 1979

Career Arc · OPS

20 seasons

Statistical Comps

Juan Soto

100%

2024 season

ISO .281 · K% 16.7 · BB% 18.1 · HR% 5.8

Aaron Judge

98%

2025 season

ISO .357 · K% 23.6 · BB% 18.3 · HR% 7.8

Career · Batting

20 seasons

Year	Team	G	AB	HR	RBI	AVG	OPS	OPS+
1973	CWS	34	73	2	4	.178	.551	78
1974	CWS	108	293	10	39	.225	.719	104
1975	CWS	138	420	7	41	.240	.680	97
1976	CWS	104	317	3	30	.256	.666	98
1977	CWS	69	169	4	25	.284	.804	110
1978	CAL	133	412	7	46	.255	.688	98
1979	CAL	148	509	12	75	.326	.880	121
1980	CAL	30	93	2	25	.290	.784	110
1981	CAL	93	317	9	41	.249	.730	106
1982	CAL	158	623	28	84	.281	.850	119
1983	CAL	113	403	19	53	.246	.781	109
1984	CAL	156	539	23	91	.275	.822	116
1985	CAL	150	520	20	85	.263	.798	112
1986	CAL	152	513	20	95	.267	.841	117
1987	CAL	155	567	29	77	.272	.886	119
1988	CAL	135	484	25	64	.242	.805	116
1989	CAL	142	544	14	59	.283	.768	111
1990	CAL	96	330	14	51	.273	.841	118
1991	TEX	123	407	17	49	.278	.831	117
1992	TEX	107	320	10	39	.278	.835	119
Career		2344	7853	275	1073	.267	—	—

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