Chicago White Sox (1973–1977)

Downing played at Magnolia High School in Anaheim, California, and was originally cut from his high school team. Although he was on the "taxi squad" as a bullpen catcher, he failed to make the team at Cypress College.^[2] However, he had an impressive showing at an "all comers" Chicago White Sox tryout, and scout Bill Lentini signed him as an amateur free agent on August 19, 1969. His early career with the White Sox (1973–1977) was not promising. On the first pitch of his first inning in his first Major League game, he severely damaged his knee making a diving catch near third base, sliding down the dugout steps and landing on the 60-day DL. He hit .225 as a rookie catcher (1974), and .240 in his second year, with seven home runs in 138 games.

California Angels (1978–1990)

Downing was dealt along with Chris Knapp and Dave Frost from the White Sox to the California Angels for Bobby Bonds, Richard Dotson and Thad Bosley on December 5, 1977. The trade allowed him to return home to Southern California and avoid the pressures of Chicago fans' expectations.^[2] It also gave his career new life. Although his 1978 numbers were uninspiring (.255 batting average, 7 home runs, 46 runs batted in), in the offseason he committed to serious weight training and in 1979 dramatically changed his batting stance, and hit .326 (third in the American League). He also made the AL All-Star team for the first and only time.

A broken ankle in 1980 forced him to move from catcher to the outfield beginning in 1981 because his offense was so valuable. Although his range was not great for an outfielder, Downing's hard work and steady hands allowed him to play the entire 1982 and 1984 seasons without making an error.^[3] He also set a pair of AL records with 244 errorless games by an OF (5/25/81 – 7/21/83), and most chances (330) in an errorless season (1982).^[4] His continued weight training helped him hit 20+ home runs in six of the seven seasons from 1982 to 1988. He became the Angels' full-time designated hitter in 1987, when he led the American League with 106 walks.

When he played his last game for the Angels after 13 seasons, he was their career leader in games, at bats, runs, hits, total bases, doubles, home runs, runs batted in, singles, extra base hits, hit by pitches, sacrifice flies and bases on balls.

On April 9, 2009, Downing was to be inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame along with former teammate Chuck Finley before the start of the game that day. However, due to the death of Angels rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart, the ceremony and game were postponed until August 27, 2009.^[5]

Texas Rangers (1991–1992)

Downing played his final two seasons with the Texas Rangers as a designated hitter. He retired at age 41, getting his last hit on the last day of the 1992 season – a single off Angels' pitcher Bert Blyleven.

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

Outside baseball

In 1985 Downing played himself when Louise Jefferson sneaked into the Angels' locker-room looking for Reggie Jackson in an episode of The Jeffersons.