LA Angels all-time roster — Designated Hitter: Brian Downing (1978-1990)
Known for being one of the first players to focus on weightlifting to improve his ability, Brian Downing was a backup for most of his career until joining the Los Angeles Angels. There, he blossomed into a solid hitter, whose ability to get on base certainly attracted the Angels’ notice.
He was a throwback to the times when teams focused on having a leadoff hitter get on base, regardless of their foot speed. Prized for his ability to take a walk and make contact, Downing drew 866 walks in his 13 years with the Angels, striking out only 759 times. He even led the league with 106 free passes in 1987, helping set the table for the other hitters behind him.
Downing was also a solid slugger in his own right. In each of his full seasons in California, he had double-digit home runs, hitting 20 or more six times. He was a rarity in his time – a leadoff hitter with power who could draw a walk, yet lacked the speed that most teams coveted atop the lineup. Yet, he was a baseball player, something that few of those other, more traditional, leadoff hitters could actually say.
The Angels tried him in different capacities on the field before he settled in as their designated hitter. Originally a catcher, he started the 1978 All-Star Game behind the plate in his only appearance in the game. After a broken ankle ruined two seasons, he moved to left, putting up below average numbers before focusing on his ability to swing a bat.
Brian Downing was a pure hitter. It is unfortunate that it took until his trade to the Angels at 28 years old for a team to realize what they had in him.
Now, to the all-time Angels bench.
Next: A great stick behind the plate