Davey Johnson, who managed Mets to 1986 World Series, dies at 82

Davey Johnson, a four-time MLB All-Star infielder who won two World Series titles with the Baltimore Orioles and managed the 1986 champion New York Mets, has died. He was 82. 

The Mets’ longtime public relations official Jay Horwitz announced Johnson’s passing Saturday morning. 

Horwitz said he got a call from Johnson’s wife, who revealed the news of his death. 

“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 wrote. 

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

Johnson spent eight seasons playing in Baltimore. He also suited up for the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs over his career from 1965-1978. 

The Mets hired Johnson as a first-time manager in 1984, two years before the team’s memorable World Series win over the Boston Red Sox. New York let him go in 1990, but his 595-417 record remains the best of any manager in franchise history. 

Johnson continued his managerial career after leaving New York. He led the Cincinnati Reds from 1993-1995, Orioles from 1996-1997, Los Angeles Dodgers from 1999-2000, and Washington Nationals from 2011-2013. 

Johnson was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2010.