Al Downing

Played For
New York Yankees (1961-1969)
Oakland Athletics (1970)
Milwaukee Brewers (1970)
Los Angeles Dodgers (1971-1977)

The 12 Black Aces
Through 2004, twelve African-American pitchers had won 20-games in the major leagues. Of course, black pitchers had won twenty many times in the negro leagues, but these dozen, who, under the direction of Mudcat Grant, called themselves the "12 Black Aces," are an exclusive club:

1. Don Newcombe
2. Sam Jones
3. Bob Gibson.
4. Mudcat Grant
5. Earl Wilson
6. Fergie Jenkins
7. Al Downing
8. Vida Blue
9. J.R. Richard
10. Mike Norris
11. Dwight Gooden
12. Dave Stewart

Born
Alphonso Erwin Downing was born on June 28, 1941, in Trenton, NJ.

Batted:  Right
Threw:  Left

Primary Position:  P

Primary Team:  NYA

Major League Debut
July 19, 1961

Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1961
Carl Yastrzemski
Lou Brock
Boog Powell
Jim Fregosi
Sam McDowell
Dean Chance
Al Downing
Bill Freehan
Eddie Brinkman

Hall of Fame Voting Year Election Votes Pct 1983 BBWAA 0 %

Post-Season Appearances
1963 World Series
1964 World Series
1974 National League Championship Series
1974 World Series

Notes
Downing suffered from narcolepsy, but it seems he never had occassion to fall asleep on the mound.

All-Star Selections
1967 AL

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