Baseball Community Remembers Davy Johnson

The baseball world is mourning the loss of Davy Johnson, a legendary figure in the sport, who passed away on Friday at the age of 82.

Johnson is particularly remembered for leading the Mets to their World Series championship in 1986.

“Davy was responsible for the most successful run in our history,” noted Jay Horwitz, a Mets historian and longtime PR director. “From 1984 to 1990, we won over 100 games twice and more than 90 on two other occasions. His managerial record with the Mets stands at 595 wins and 417 losses, giving him a win rate of .588.”

He added, “But it wasn’t just about wins and losses. What made Davy special was his attitude—he was straightforward and had a kind of swagger that suited our team in the 1980s.”

Johnson holds the title of the winningest manager in Mets history and was the first in Major League Baseball history to win during his initial five seasons as a manager.

“I learned more about baseball from Davy Johnson than anyone else in my career,” remarked another MLB figure on social media. “I truly valued our time together, especially those extra sessions with the Mets. It’s heartbreaking to know he’s gone.”

Johnson enjoyed a substantial career as a player as well, spanning 13 years.

He notably made the last out in the Mets’ first World Series victory in 1969, when he was with the Orioles.

Throughout his career, Johnson won two World Series championships and participated in four with the Orioles.

“The world of baseball has lost a giant,” shared Eric Sherman, a biographer of Johnson, on social media.

In addition to the Mets, Johnson managed the Reds, Orioles, Dodgers, and Nationals, accumulating an overall record of 1,372 wins against 1,071 losses, which reflects a .562 winning percentage. His tenure with the Mets showcased a stronger .588 mark.

His last managerial role was with the Nationals in 2013.