Legendary MLB Manager Passes Away At 82

Davey Johnson, the legendary MLB manager who guided the New York Mets to a World Series title in 1986, has passed away at the age of 82. Johnson’s wife, Susan, confirmed his passing to Mets team historian Jay Horwitz on Saturday.

“I’m glad I got to say my goodbyes in person last February. Susan, Davey Johnson’s wife, told me that my dear friend and manger of our 1986 World Championship team had passed away at the age of 82,” Horowitz announced in an X post.

While Johnson is most well known for his lengthy managerial career, he also had a highly successful career as a player from 1965 through 1978. He spent the bulk of his career with the Baltimore Orioles, where he reached the World Series in four of his campaigns with the club.

The Orioles took home the championship in 1966 and 1970. Johnson also spent time with the Atlanta Braves, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Chicago Cubs, in addition to a brief stint in Japan.

Johnson’s 1986 Topps card

He wrapped up his playing career in 1978 after 13 MLB seasons, during which he was named to four All-Star games and took home three Gold Glove awards.

Not long after his playing career wrapped up, Johnson immediately pivoted towards coaching. He managed a number of the Mets’ minor league affiliates before taking over at the helm of the big league club in 1984.

He immediately faced a tall order of bringing the Mets back after they had not won a pennant since 1973. Fans were bullish on the team’s prospects, as young stars like Daryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden were waiting in the wings, while the roster was further bolstered by a mid-season acquisition of Keith Hernandez.

The Mets won 98 games the next year, but still managed to finish third in the National League. The 1986 club then won a league best 108 games before capturing the franchise’s first World Series since 1969.

The Mets managed to fend off the Boston Red Sox in a wild seven game series, which culminated in hundreds of fans storming the field to celebrate with the team. The Mets have still not managed to win another World Series since the 1986 run, the longest streak in the National League East.

Johnson speaks with reporters ahead of the 1986 season

Johnson parted ways with the Mets after the 1990 season. He went on to manage a number of additional clubs, including the Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers and finally, the Washington Nationals from 2011 through 2013.

He is a member of both the Mets and Orioles respective team Hall of Fames.

“I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Davey Johnson, a remarkable leader who transformed the Mets franchise into a winning organization,” Mets legend Darryl Strawberry posted on Instagram in response to Johnson’s passing.

“His ability to empower players to express themselves while maintaining a strong commitment to excellence was truly inspiring. Davey’s legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of fans and players alike. My heartfelt condolences go out to Susan Johnson and the entire Johnson family during this difficult time. He will be missed but remembered for his incredible impact on the game and the lives he touched. Love You Forever Davey Johnson.”