OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - Baseball Comes to Montreal -- A Saga of the Expos

mjj55409 · 02-01-2019, 09:20 AM

After being selected in the Expansion Draft from Cincinnati, Downing was the Opening Day starter for Montreal in 1969. He spent 2.5 years as a staff ace for the Expos, compiling a record of 23-41 with a 3.84 ERA for a team that lost more than 100 games each season. In July of 1971, Downing was traded to the Atlanta Braves, who were in the midst of their first pennant race since 1959. Downing performed spectacularly for Atlanta down the stretch (10-1, 2.95 ERA) as the Braves won their first NL West title.

Originally, Downing had come up through the Yankee organization and had a breakout season in 1965 (22-6, 2.02 ERA, 259 IP, 248 K). That off season, Downing was traded from the Yankees to the Reds along with 1B/OF Joe Pepitone in exchange for pitchers John Buzhardt and Rudy May and OF Johnny Callison.

Downing started the 1966 season strong (11-2, 2.57 ERA) before injuring his shoulder in June and being shut down for a few months. Downing did come back and pitch in the post season to help Cincinnati win a World Series.

Downing struggled the next couple of seasons before being selected in the 1968 Expansion Draft. Since being traded to Atlanta, Downing has had a career resurgence. In 5.5 seasons with the Braves he has a 94-46 record with a 3.20 ERA, bringing his career totals to 194-123, 3.19 ERA. In 1976, Downing led the NL in wins (18). 1977 will be Downing's age 35 season. With a few more years performing at his current level, Downing could be looking at a Hall of Fame caliber career.

Al Downing

02-01-2019, 09:20 AM	#17
mjj55409 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,166	Where Are They Now -- Al Downing After being selected in the Expansion Draft from Cincinnati, Downing was the Opening Day starter for Montreal in 1969. He spent 2.5 years as a staff ace for the Expos, compiling a record of 23-41 with a 3.84 ERA for a team that lost more than 100 games each season. In July of 1971, Downing was traded to the Atlanta Braves, who were in the midst of their first pennant race since 1959. Downing performed spectacularly for Atlanta down the stretch (10-1, 2.95 ERA) as the Braves won their first NL West title. Originally, Downing had come up through the Yankee organization and had a breakout season in 1965 (22-6, 2.02 ERA, 259 IP, 248 K). That off season, Downing was traded from the Yankees to the Reds along with 1B/OF Joe Pepitone in exchange for pitchers John Buzhardt and Rudy May and OF Johnny Callison. Downing started the 1966 season strong (11-2, 2.57 ERA) before injuring his shoulder in June and being shut down for a few months. Downing did come back and pitch in the post season to help Cincinnati win a World Series. Downing struggled the next couple of seasons before being selected in the 1968 Expansion Draft. Since being traded to Atlanta, Downing has had a career resurgence. In 5.5 seasons with the Braves he has a 94-46 record with a 3.20 ERA, bringing his career totals to 194-123, 3.19 ERA. In 1976, Downing led the NL in wins (18). 1977 will be Downing's age 35 season. With a few more years performing at his current level, Downing could be looking at a Hall of Fame caliber career. Al Downing __________________ FABL -- Chicago Chiefs Last edited by mjj55409; 02-01-2019 at 11:24 AM.