Davey Johnson, an All-Star second baseman who won the World Series twice with the Baltimore Orioles and later managed the New York Mets to victory in 1986, has died. He was 82.
Longtime Mets public relations representative Jay Horwitz stated that Johnson’s wife, Susan, told him of his death after a lengthy illness. Johnson died at a hospital in Sarasota, Florida, on Friday, according to Horwitz.
Johnson had 13 major league seasons with Baltimore, the Atlanta Braves, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Chicago Cubs from 1965 to 1978, winning the Gold Glove three times and being named an All-Star four times. He managed the Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Washington Nationals from 1984 to 2013.
Johnson guided the Reds to the National League Central title in 1995.
Former Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo called it a difficult day.
“Davey was a good man, close friend, and mentor,” Rizzo wrote in a text message. “A Hall of Fame caliber manager with a baseball mind ahead of his time.”
Darryl Strawberry, a ’86 Mets player, praised Johnson on social media as a terrific leader who converted the team into a successful company.
“His ability to empower players to express themselves while maintaining a strong commitment to excellence was truly inspiring,” Strawberry said on Instagram, beside a photo of himself, Johnson, and Dwight “Doc” Gooden. “Davey’s legacy will live on in the hearts of both fans and players.” My sincere condolences are sent to Susan Johnson and the Johnson family during this difficult time. He will be missed, but he will be remembered for his enormous contribution to the game and the people he touched.”
Ryan Zimmerman, who played under Johnson with Washington from 2011 to 2013, said Johnson was a better person than he was a baseball player.
“He knew how to get the best out of everyone — on and off the field,” Zimmerman added via text message. “I learned a lot from him, and my career would not have been the same without my time with him. He will be much missed by many people.
Johnson was named AL Manager of the Year in 1997, when Baltimore won the division. He was named National League Manager of the Year in 2012, when the Nationals reached the playoffs for the first time since moving from Montreal.
“Davey was a world-class manager,” wrote owner Mark Lerner in a statement. “I’ll always cherish the memories we made together with the Nationals, and I know his legacy will live on in the heads and minds of our fans and those across baseball.”