Davey Johnson, Two-Time World Series Champion with Orioles and 1986 Mets Manager, Dies at 82
Trending: Baseball Mourns a Legend
The baseball world is reeling from the loss of Davey Johnson, a revered figure who left an indelible mark as both a player and manager. Johnson, who won two World Series titles with the Baltimore Orioles and led the New York Mets to a dramatic championship in 1986, passed away on September 5, 2025, at the age of 82. His death, announced by longtime Mets public relations representative Jay Horwitz, has prompted tributes from players, colleagues, and fans, celebrating a career that defined excellence in America’s pastime.
A Storied Career Cut Short
Johnson died in a Sarasota, Florida, hospital after a long illness, according to his wife, Susan, as reported by Horwitz. The news broke on September 6, 2025, via social media, with Horwitz sharing, “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 manager of our 1986 World Championship team had passed away at the age of 82.”
As a player, Johnson was a standout second baseman, earning four All-Star selections and three Gold Glove Awards during his 13-year career (1965–78) with the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs. His contributions to the Orioles’ World Series victories in 1966 and 1970, including four American League pennants, cemented his legacy as a clutch performer. In 1973, he hit 43 home runs for the Braves, a career highlight alongside teammates Hank Aaron and Darrell Evans.
Johnson’s managerial career was equally illustrious. Taking the helm of the Mets in 1984, he transformed a struggling franchise into a powerhouse, leading them to 90-plus wins in each of his first five seasons—a National League first. The 1986 Mets, with stars like Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, and Keith Hernandez, won 108 games and clinched the World Series against the Boston Red Sox in a dramatic seven-game series, highlighted by Mookie Wilson’s iconic groundball through Bill Buckner’s legs. Johnson’s 595 wins remain the most by any Mets manager.
“Davy was a remarkable leader who transformed the franchise into a winning organization,” Strawberry posted on Instagram, praising Johnson’s ability to empower players while demanding excellence.
Johnson also managed the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Washington Nationals, posting a career record of 1,372 wins and 1,071 losses—a .562 winning percentage, sixth-highest among managers with at least 1,300 wins. He earned Manager of the Year honors in 1997 (AL, Orioles) and 2012 (NL, Nationals).
Background: A Trailblazer in Baseball
Johnson’s impact extended beyond the field. A math major at Trinity University, he was among the first managers to embrace analytics, using data-driven decisions that foreshadowed modern baseball strategies. His brash, player-friendly style clashed with front offices but endeared him to athletes. “Davey was a good man, close friend, and a mentor,” said former Nationals GM Mike Rizzo. “A Hall of Fame caliber manager with a baseball mind ahead of his time.”
His tenure wasn’t without challenges. A feud with Mets GM Frank Cashen led to his dismissal in 1990, and similar conflicts marked his exits from other teams. Yet, his ability to turn young clubs into contenders—evidenced by division titles with the Reds (1995), Orioles (1997), and Nationals (2012)—underscored his managerial prowess.
Johnson’s legacy also includes leading Team USA to a bronze medal in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, a first for the program. His contributions earned him induction into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2010 and ongoing consideration for the Baseball Hall of Fame, though he fell short of the 75% vote needed by the Eras Committee in recent years.
Impact and Next Steps
Johnson’s passing leaves a void in baseball, prompting renewed calls for his Hall of Fame induction. “He will need 12 of 16 votes for election,” noted Forbes, referencing the Eras Committee’s next meeting in December 2026. Tributes from figures like Hall of Famer Jim Palmer, who called Johnson a “friend, teammate, and confidant,” highlight his personal and professional impact.
For fans, Johnson’s legacy lives on in iconic moments like the ’86 Mets’ triumph. Teams he managed, including the Orioles and Mets, have announced plans for 2026 season tributes, with the Mets considering a jersey patch to honor him.
Conclusion: A Giant of the Game
Davey Johnson’s death at 82 marks the end of a remarkable chapter in baseball history. From his World Series heroics with the Orioles to his transformative leadership with the Mets, Johnson’s innovative approach and fierce competitive spirit reshaped the sport. As fans and players reflect on his contributions, the takeaway is clear: Johnson’s legacy as a player, manager, and pioneer will endure, inspiring future generations to play—and lead—with passion.