Legendary Mets Manager Behind Iconic 1986 World Series Win Passes Away at 82: Tributes Pour In

Davey Johnson, a four-time All-Star infielder who guided the New York Mets to their iconic 1986 World Series championship, has died at 82.

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Mets public relations official Jay Horwitz announced the news Saturday, sharing that he received a late-night call from Johnson’s wife. “Last night around midnight I got a call that I had been dreading. When I saw Susan Johnson’s name appear, I knew that news would not be good,” Horwitz said.

Johnson’s biographer, Erik Sherman, also confirmed his passing on social media.

Career as a Player

Johnson spent eight seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, where he won two World Series titles and earned three consecutive Gold Gloves between 1969 and 1971. He was selected to four All-Star teams during his playing career.

In addition to his years in Baltimore, he also played for the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs from 1965 to 1978.

(Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Ironically, he made the final out of the 1969 World Series when the Mets captured their first championship by defeating his Orioles.

Managing the 1986 Mets & Beyond

The Mets hired Johnson as their manager in 1984. Just two years later, he led the team to a dramatic World Series victory over the Boston Red Sox. His 595-417 record remains the best managerial record in Mets history.

After leaving New York in 1990, Johnson managed several other teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Washington Nationals. He also managed Team USA during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Legacy in Baseball

Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Johnson ranks among the game’s most successful managers. He is one of only 15 managers to finish more than 300 games above .500 and ranks 10th all-time in winning percentage among managers with at least 1,000 victories.

He was also an early supporter of analytics, often debating lineups and strategies with Orioles Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver.

Johnson was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2010, cementing his place in franchise history. Tributes from across the baseball world continue to honor his remarkable career and lasting impact on the game.

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