Baseball World Mourns the Loss of Davey Johnson, 1986 Mets World Series-Winning Manager

Davey Johnson, a four-time All-Star second baseman and the manager who guided the iconic 1986 New York Mets to a World Series championship, has passed away at the age of 82. Johnson died after a long illness, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as both a player and a brilliant baseball mind.

"He led with a quiet confidence and unwavering belief in his team," said Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen in a statement. "Davey’s 595 wins remain the most in franchise history, and his legacy is highlighted by him leading the 1986 team to a World Series championship."

A decorated player, Johnson spent 13 seasons in the majors, most notably with the Baltimore Orioles during their dominant run in the late 1960s and early '70s. He won two World Series titles with the Orioles in 1966 and 1970 and earned three Gold Glove awards for his slick fielding. In 1973, after being traded to the Atlanta Braves, Johnson set a new single-season record for home runs by a second baseman, hitting 43 dingers.

As a manager, Johnson was a central figure of baseball in the 1980s and '90s. He took four different franchises to the postseason and was named Manager of the Year in both the American League (1997 with the Orioles) and the National League (2012 with the Washington Nationals). His career winning percentage of .562 ranks 10th all-time among managers with at least 1,000 victories.

Johnson's greatest managerial success came with the New York Mets. He took over a struggling franchise in 1984 and transformed them into a perennial winner, a team that perfectly captured the swagger of the late '80s with stars like Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden. The 1986 Mets won an incredible 108 games—the most by any team in a single season from 1976 to 1997—before their thrilling World Series win over the Boston Red Sox. Johnson's 595 wins with the club remain the most in team history.

"Davey Johnson was the greatest manager I ever played for," said Darryl Strawberry. "He let us do our own thing. This is a sad day for the Mets and for the 1986 Mets family."

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Johnson was a forward-thinking strategist, a pioneer in using data and computers to analyze the game long before analytics became commonplace. He even earned a mathematics degree while managing the Nationals in 2012, showcasing his lifelong passion for problem-solving and strategy. His intelligence and relentless spirit defined a career that will be remembered for its success and innovation.