Bio
Inducted 2008
baseball
Born in 1934, Arlen Downs is a California native that has seen many changes in the region. Moving from Pasadena to Maywood and then finally to Ontario, Arlen attended San Antonio Elementary, Vina Danks Jr. High and Chaffey High School where he played shortstop for the Tigers.
In his sophomore year, Ken Proctor, fresh out of UCLA, saw him playing and immediately moved him to pitcher and 1st base. The Tigers won their first CBL title. After graduating from Chaffey High School in 52, Arlen walked across the quad to attend Chaffey College. There he played baseball for John Burnison and Bill Gable.
Professional baseball would be Arlen’s calling after Chaffey, first in Yakima, Washington and then in Kansas City. In Washington, Arlen pitched a no hitter and finished the season 15-5. Shortly after, he was drafted in the Army, where he played ball in Fort Lewis. After serving in the Army, he went to spring training in Shreveport, Louisiana for Southern League AA baseball.
After one season, Arlen returned to Ontario to coach for Chaffey under athletic director Willie Richardson. His one year contract turned into four years. The final year, the Panthers brought home their first tournament win. In his spare time he also coached Colt and American Legion teams.
After coaching at Chaffey, Arlen went to work with his father at Lee Rock Foundry in Ontario. He continues working at the foundry daily, when not hunting during duck season or fishing. (8) Arlen and Shirley Downs have been married for 39 years.