Davey Johnson, the beloved manager who guided the New York Mets to their unforgettable 1986 World Series championship, has died at the age of 82.
A true baseball lifer, Johnson spent 13 seasons as a player in Major League Baseball, making his mark as a reliable second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles. He helped Baltimore capture two World Series titles (1966, 1970) and earned four All-Star selections during his career.
After his Orioles days, Johnson played with the Atlanta Braves alongside Hank Aaron, then finished his MLB playing career with the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs before a brief stint in Japan with the Yomiuri Giants.
Johnson quickly transitioned into managing, taking over the New York Mets in 1984. In Queens, he became an instant success, famously leading the Mets to the 1986 World Series crown in one of the most iconic Fall Classics in MLB history. He also became the first National League manager to record 90 or more wins in each of his first five seasons.
Following his Mets tenure, Johnson managed the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Dodgers, before a final return to the dugout with the Washington Nationals in 2011.
Johnson’s impact on the game was felt across generations—both as a steady player and as one of baseball’s sharpest managerial minds.
