Hall of Fame
Bill Downing was born on October 1, 1951, in San Francisco, CA and was raised in Pacifica. He attended Terra Nova High School before receiving a full athletic scholarship to play baseball at the University of San Francisco. He played shortstop from 1971 to 1973, and earned WCAC honors in his three years as a starter. In 1972, he earned the Oustanding College Athletics of America Award. He graduated with Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology in 1973.
After graduation in 1973, he was drafted in the 4th round (82nd overall) by the Atlanta Braves in 1973. After two years of professional baseball with the Braves' affiliate, he joined the San Francisco Fire Department in 1975, and was stationed at Station 8 on Bluxome Street. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant in 2006. His love for baseball transferred into being a fan of the San Francisco Giants.
He was inducted into the USF Hall of Fame in 2026.
