"Mark Al Downing as the one most likely to inherit the No. 1 pitching role monopolized so long by Whitey Ford. Here's a left-hander whose fastball and curve are feared by batters, and his strikeout total is a fraction shy of one per inning.
Transferred from Richmond early in the year, he twice threatened to pitch a no-hitter and responded with a 13-5 mark and a 2.56 ERA. His defects are keeping the fastball a bit too high and a changeup that needs additional work before it can be relied on."
-Don Schiffer, Major League Baseball Handbook 1964
"Remember the name: Al Downing. Not yet 23, he looms as another Yankee pitcher who'll be a star for another decade.
Called up from the Richmond farm team in the International League early last season, he posted a 13-5 record with a 2.56 ERA. He was so impressive that he started the second game of the World Series. With a blazing fastball and good curve, he has the tools and the temperament to be a big winner ... Most Yankee officials wouldn't be surprised if he joined the 20-Game Club in 1964."
-Dave Anderson, 1964 Major League Baseball Handbook
"Al Downing, at 22, has already attained stature on the Yankee pitching staff. The well-proportioned Trenton, New Jersey left-hander was with Richmond until June 6th last season, yet returned in time to post a mighty impressive 13-5 record with a 2.56 earned run average.
In 176 innings, Al struck out 171 men to maintain his near one whiff per inning of major league pitching. Eight times he fanned 10 or more in a game, reaching a career high of 14. With these fascinating statistics, it is becoming increasingly clear that Al Downing is taking his place as an eventual successor to a list of distinguished Yankee southpaws ... Herb Pennock, Lefty Gomez, Ed Lopat and Whitey Ford.
Right from the start, Downing, an off-season Rider College student, impressed with his savvy and surprising control, particularly of his changeup. While control has been a problem at times, he seemed to have mastered it last year, walking only 80 against 171 strikeouts.
Fans who have followed Al's exciting early Yankee career know it's advisable to be in their seats early when he is the starting pitcher. For in several games last year, Downing hurled no-hit ball for more than the first half of a game, meanwhile piling up a big strikeout total.
He's an exciting hurler with a bright future."
-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook
"Ready for his first full season in Yankee livery is young whiff artist Al Downing, hailed by many as destined for greatness due to his dazzling speedball and sharp curve.
Downing was a key factor in the Bomber pennant victory last season, compiling a 13-5 mark and 2.56 earned run average upon being called up from Richmond of the International League on June 6.
Al, a 5-11, 175-pound native of Trenton, New Jersey, struck out 171 batters in 176 innings. On eight different occasions, the left-hander fanned 10 or more opponents.
Among his outstanding performances were a one-hitter and two-hitter against the White Sox in which Al struck out 10 and 12 respectively. On three occasions against Cleveland, he whiffed 14, 12 and 10 Tribesmen.
The southpaw attends Rider College in Trenton during the off-season. He had previously gone to Muhlenberg on a basketball scholarship.
Signed by the Yanks in December 1960, Al was 9-1 at Binghamton in 1961 before being called up by the parent club late in the campaign, appearing in five games and being charged with one loss.
With Richmond in 1962, Downing practically set'em down as fast as they came up, striking out 180 in 169 innings, though winning but nine while dropping 13.
By virtue of his sterling mound achievements of last season, Downing reputedly is earning $12,000 in '64, a raise of $5,000 from his base pay of '63."
-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, December 9, 1960.
Pitched no-hit game for Richmond, May 12, 1962, beating Syracuse 4-0.
Recalled from Richmond, June 6, 1963.
Struck out a single-game high (14), July 6, 1963.
Struck out 10 or more in a game eight times, 1963.
Has averaged just under one strikeout per inning in his major league career.
Attends Rider College, Trenton, New Jersey in off-season.
-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
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