Baseball has lost one of its greats. Davey Johnson, the legendary manager who guided the New York Mets to their last World Series title, has passed away at the age of 82.
His death was announced on Saturday morning by SNY, the Mets’ cable network, though no cause was given.
A Career That Spanned Decades
Johnson’s name is etched into baseball history not only for his managerial success but also for his time as a player.
Before taking on the role of skipper, he was an All-Star second baseman with the Baltimore Orioles, where he won two World Series rings.
In a twist of fate, he also made the final out of the 1969 World Series—when his Orioles lost to the Mets, handing New York their very first championship.
Years later, Johnson would return the favor, leading the Mets to glory in 1986.
Tributes Pour In
News of Johnson’s passing sparked an immediate outpouring of grief. Mets radio icon Howie Rose remembered him fondly, writing on X that he learned more about baseball’s inner workings from Johnson than from anyone else in his career. Fans shared similar sentiments, praising Johnson for giving the Mets their swagger and recalling his unique bond with the 1986 championship team. Supporters of the Orioles and Reds also joined in mourning, recognizing Johnson’s impact on their franchises.
Remembering His Playing Days
Born in Florida in 1943, Johnson’s path to the majors began at Trinity University in San Antonio before signing with the Orioles in 1962.
By 1965, he was on the big-league roster, just as Baltimore was becoming an American League powerhouse.
He earned three Gold Gloves at second base and reached four World Series with the team—winning in 1966 and 1970.
After his time in Baltimore, Johnson went on to play for the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and even the Yomiuri Giants in Japan before hanging up his glove in 1978.
The Mets Years and a Championship for the Ages
In 1984, the Mets handed Johnson the keys to a young but immensely talented team featuring Dwight “Doc” Gooden and Darryl Strawberry. By 1986, the gamble had paid off.
That year’s World Series against the Boston Red Sox became one of the most famous in baseball history, capped off by Bill Buckner’s infamous error in Game 6.
The Mets won it all in Game 7, forever linking Johnson’s name to one of baseball’s most unforgettable triumphs.
A Pioneer in Baseball Analytics
Long before “Moneyball” became a household term, Johnson was putting math to work in the dugout.
A former mathematics major, he embraced sabermetrics to give his teams an edge.
His forward-thinking style was years ahead of its time and later recognized as part of the movement that reshaped the game.
Ups and Downs After New York
Despite his success, Johnson’s time with the Mets came to an end in 1990 when he was dismissed after a rocky start to the season.
He bounced back with the Cincinnati Reds in 1993, leading them to the 1995 National League Championship Series before clashing with controversial owner Marge Schott, who refused to bring him back.
Reports suggested her disapproval stemmed not from performance but from his personal life.
A Managerial Journey Across the League
Johnson wasn’t finished after Cincinnati. He later took charge of the Baltimore Orioles again, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and eventually the Washington Nationals.
With the Nationals, he made the postseason once before retiring in 2013, closing the book on a career that stretched across five decades in Major League Baseball.
A Legacy That Lives On
From Gold Glove second baseman to innovative manager, Davey Johnson’s influence went far beyond wins and losses.
He transformed teams, inspired players, and helped shape the modern game.
As tributes continue to flow in from fans, players, and baseball historians, one thing is clear—Johnson’s name will always hold a special place in the story of America’s pastime.